The muscles and bones within your body are connected by strong bands of tissue called tendons. If you overuse or injure a tendon, you may develop an inflammatory condition called tendonitis. Tendonitis can affect any tendon within your body including your hands, shoulders, elbows or ankles. Speak with your doctor if you develop any signs of tendonitis, as such symptoms can also be the result of an alternate medical condition, such as arthritis.
Pain
The most common sign of tendonitis is pain within the overused joint. The pain can be caused by damage to the tendon or by inflammation within the tissue or joint surrounding the tendon. Tendonitis pain can appear suddenly or can slowly progress over time. You may notice that the pain is more severe after running or exercising. Applying an ice pack to the affected area is suggested by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at Carnegie Mellon and can help alleviate painful symptoms associated with tendonitis.
Stiffness
Tendonitis can cause your tendons to become severely stiff, which can limit your ability to freely move the affected joint. Pain and stiffness can disrupt your normal sleep patterns, which can leave you feeling excessively tired throughout the day. If you experience tendon stiffness as a consequence of this condition, it can be helpful to perform stretching exercises to loosen the tendon---especially prior to beginning physical activity.
Weakness
Inflammation caused by tendon injury or overuse can lead to weakness within the joint or muscle of the affected area. If this occurs, it can be difficult to lift certain items or stand for a prolonged period of time depending upon the location of inflammation.
Swelling
If you develop tendonitis, swelling of the affected joint can occur. The skin covering the tendon or joint can appear red or inflamed and may be tender to the touch. Swelling can also interfere with your ability to move your limb normally, which can prevent you from participating in your usual activities. You may find that the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate the swelling and inflammation caused by tendonitis.
