Tendinitis is a condition marked by inflammation or irritation of the tendons. This inflammation causes pain or tenderness around or outside of the affected joint. Tendinitis can affect any joint in the body; however, it commonly occurs in the arms, shoulders, elbows, wrists and heels. Tendinitis is the name for the general condition. Anatomy-specific conditions include tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, pitcher's shoulder, swimmer's shoulder and jumper's knee. Symptoms and severity of tendinitis in the arm can vary by person. Still, there are some common symptoms to look out for when seeking treatment.
Pain
The most common symptom of tendinitis is pain. This pain can be dull, excruciating or even debilitating. Pain caused by tendinitis in the arm typically occurs in the bicep or the shoulder, near the joint. The pain worsens with overhead movements or activities requiring extensive use of the arms. Pain can be radiating, going up the shoulder or down the length of the arm, and is often worse at night, particularly with movement or activity. Your doctor may suggest taking an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for mild or moderate pain. Severe pain may be treated with cortisol injections.
Tenderness
Tenderness commonly occurs either as a precursor to, or a result of, tendinitis pain. Tenderness associate with tendinitis usually occurs at the top of the arm near the bicep, or on the front of shoulder near the joint. This creates difficulty in performing most activities with the arm. Some sufferers restrict the movement of their arm to avoid pain; however, too much restriction can cause stiffness in the joint. Taking an NSAID may help to alleviate tenderness. Stiffness can be treated by applying an analgesic sports creme. A heating pad, when used properly, can help to reduce stiffness and increase mobility in the joint as well.
Swelling
In some cases of tendinitis, mild swelling near or at the site of inflammation may occur. For women, wearing a bra can become difficult when straps come into contact with the affected area. Carrying or wearing any type of backpack, messenger bag or briefcase can exacerbate swelling by putting more pressure on the arm. If swelling occurs, place an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
