Diagnosis – how is tendonitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of tendonitis is based on a detailed medical history, movement tests and precise palpation of the affected area. Pressure pain over the affected tendon is typical. In addition, ultrasound is used to detect major damage and swelling. In cases of doubt, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide precise information about the extent of the injury.

Therapy – what helps with tendonitis?

The therapy of tendinitis is primarily rest and protection. Acutely, i.e. within 24 hours, cooling compresses help, in the further course of the disease heat is also recommended. Compressive bandages stabilize the tendon.

To combat the inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac or ibuprofen can be used as tablets or ointments. Once the initial symptoms subside, light stretching exercises help to combat the tendon inflammation and to regain full resilience more quickly. In chronic cases, surgery may be necessary. For example, torn tendons can be healed.

Duration of tendonitis

The duration of tendonitis depends strongly on its cause and the severity of the inflammation. Slight inflammation after a single slight overloading can heal after a few days by immobilization and cooling. More severe tendonitis usually takes a few weeks and only improves with the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

In very rare cases, the tendon inflammation can progress to a permanent stage and lead to remodelling and wear and tear processes in the affected area. It is important to note that the duration and timing of the healing process depends strongly on individual behavior. If the affected area is carefully relieved, immobilised and cooled, the healing time is shortened, while continuing the strain or overloading leads to a worsening and permanent existence of the inflammation.

What is the prognosis?

In most cases, tendonitis is a painful but banal sports injury that heals spontaneously with the conservative measures mentioned above. There are differences in the time it takes to recover from the injury. In the arm, this takes a few days, while the Achilles tendon often takes weeks.

If the inflammation of the tendon, e.g. in the shoulder, is caused by anatomical malpositions, the disease can be more persistent and should be treated by experts. It is important to take a break if the tendon inflammation is still present in order to prevent a chronic course. In this case, the tendon may be damaged in the long term to such an extent that it must be surgically repaired.