1. Inflammation of a Muscle's Attachment to Bone
A tendon is the tissue that attaches a muscle to bone. Tendonitis is inflammation of that tissue. Any tendon may become inflamed, although some are more prone to the condition than others. The most common kinds of tendonitis are anchilles tendonitis, shoulder tendonitis, extensor tendonitis of the forearm (tennis elbow) and patellar tendonitis (tendonitis of the knee cap).
2. Overuse or Incorrect Use are the Culprits
Using a muscle in a repetitive fashion or using it in an unnatural manner are the two most common causes of tendonitis. Certain jobs like mail sorters and line workers are prone to problems, because of the repetitive actions they perform. Athletes may cause a tendonitis by performing an activity, like throwing a curve ball, in a way that puts unusual stress on a tendon.
3. Young Tendons Should Not be Overstressed
When tendonitis develops before bones have matured, the results can affect the future growth of the bone. This is why it is important for young athletes to avoid over-taxing tendons before growth plates have closed. This is the reason that Little Leaguers are admonished to "not throw curve balls."
4. Treatment Requires Rest
As with most overuse syndromes, treatment of tendonitis requires resting the involved muscle. That is difficult when the muscle is part of a person's day-to-day work pattern. Sometimes, learning how to do an activity with both hands is of value. Other times, an evaluation of the way a job is being done is helpful. For instance, can a person's seat or way of standing be adjusted or can a movement be slightly modified? These are called the ergonomics of a job. For the tendon, itself, ice and anti-inflamatories are of help. For some kinds of tendonitis, bracing is also helpful. When a tendon does not respond to these treatments, a local injection of cortisone may make a substantial difference.
5. Small Tears can Become Really Big Ones
Often, tendonitis involves small tears in the tendon, particularly if it is associated with a specific injury. This means that if it is not allowed to heal, those tears may make the tendon susceptible to a larger, even complete, tear of the tendon. This is particularly true of tendons that bear a big load, like the Achilles tendon. So let it rest! Let it heal!
