Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon. It can affect the elbow, knee, shoulder, wrist, finger, thigh or other area. Tendinitis can affect people of any age, but adults who regularly play sports are most affected. Some common phrases for particular tendinitis disorders include "tennis elbow," "pitcher's shoulder," "golfer's elbow" and "jumper's knee." People with tendinitis may feel pain or a crackling when moving the affected area.
Repetition
Repeating certain movements with the body over time are the most common causes of tendinitis, according to Medical News Today. Sports such as running, tennis, swimming, golf, bowling and baseball may end up causing tendinitis for people who play often. Certain jobs can increase the risk if the work includes repetitive movements, reaching overhead often, awkward positions or forceful exertion.
Sudden Injury
An injury may cause a tendon to tear, resulting in tendinitis. The injury does not necessarily have to be caused by a sport but can happen from something casual. Some cases may occur from someone simply poking a person too hard for fun. The tendinitis may turn up in the shoulder later, and the connection may not even be made. People and doctors are sometimes unable to determine how the injury to the tendon occurred.
Aging
The elderly are also vulnerable to tendinitis because tendons can become weaker with age as the tendon loses elasticity, the National Institutes of Health explains. The tendon may become easily susceptible to an injury.
Arthritis
People with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon that connects muscles to the heel becomes inflamed. This can happen because of overuse, but it can also occur because of arthritis. Tendinitis from arthritis usually occurs to middle-aged people or the elderly. It can also occur from playing various sports where jumping is involved.
Diabetes
Diabetes may increase the risk of developing tendinitis. Sores or injuries may take longer to heal in diabetics, making tendinitis possible from an injury.
Tendon Relief
To diagnose tendinitis, doctors may look for warm or reddened skin over the tendon. The inflammation may show up in an X-ray. Rest may be recommended to improve the tendon. Heat and cold applications may be suggested for the affected area. Anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy helps to stretch and strengthen the muscle and tendon over time, so the person can return to normal activity and prevent further inflammation. Surgery can be used, but very rarely, to remove inflamed tissue around the tendon.
