Tendinitis

Definition – what is tendonitis?

Inflammation of the tendon is a clinical picture in which a tendon is inflamed due to over-stimulation or unusual strain. Tendons are tight connective tissue that connects the muscle with the bone at the ends of a muscle. They are responsible for the transmission of force from the muscle to the skeleton.

In colloquial language and sometimes also in the clinic, tendonitis is often used synonymously with the term tendosynovitis. Tendons that run over bones or bony projections, for example, are surrounded by a gelatinous tendon sheath. As a sliding rail and cushion, it protects the tendons from mechanical stress.

Tendonitis can theoretically occur anywhere. Frequent localizations are arms and forearms, but also shoulders, knees, hips or groin and the tendons on the heel and sole of the foot. Acute tendonitis usually lasts only a few days and can be treated conservatively. Longer lasting symptoms should be presented to a doctor.

Causes – what leads to tendonitis?

In general, it can be said that tendonitis is caused by excessive strain. This can be caused by too much training, unaccustomed movements and also excessive strain in physically demanding jobs. Misalignment of joints or incorrect sportswear, especially shoes, can also lead to permanent tendon irritation. The excessive irritation leads to inflammation, the tendon has many tiny micro-cracks. Rarely is tendon inflammation caused by rheumatological diseases.

Symptoms – what signs accompany tendonitis?

An inflammation of the tendon usually becomes noticeable only with slight pain, which then becomes worse in the course of and under pressure and is described as stabbing or burning. It is not uncommon for up to 24 hours to elapse between a triggering action such as excessive strain and the first symptoms perceived. In addition, a reddening of the corresponding part of the body can occur, and in some cases swelling can be detected.

In tendonitis, the pain is particularly painful during movement. The intensity of the pain increases relatively quickly and eventually leads to restricted mobility. If the course is long or complicated, the tendon inflammation continues to develop, so that in some cases a slight crunching is audible during movement, which is caused by calcium deposits. In the worst, untreated case, a tendon can be damaged by the tendonitis to such an extent that it tears.