Tendonitis is a term that describes an inflamed and painful tendon. A tendon is a rubbery cord that attaches muscles and bones which helps to move joints and bones when the muscle contracts.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

Tendonitis can affect the following areas of the body:

• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Finger
• Thigh
• Knee
• Back of the heel

Symptoms include:

• Pain that increases if the affected area is moved.
• A grating or cracking sensation when the tendon moves.
• Swelling or redness around the affected area which can be accompanied by heat.
• A temporary loss of strength in the affected area because of the pain.

Symptoms can last for a few days but the pain may be more long term and last for weeks or even months. If the symptoms continue then the tendon could split leaving a gap in the tendon which can reduce movement significantly.

Causes of Tendonitis

The main cause of tendonitis is the overuse of the tendon either from a sport injury or repetitive strain injury. Common forms of tendonitis caused by sport injuries are tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis.
Tendonitis can also be caused by medical conditions and is most commonly found in diabetic customers.

Preventing Tendonitis

The risk of developing tendonitis or preventing symptoms flaring up can be helped by:

• Strengthening the areas that are prone to developing tendonitis by doing exercise.
• Warm up and cool down properly if playing a sport or doing exercise.
• If tendonitis is caused by doing sporting activities altering technique might help.
• Avoid repetitive movements of the affected area, if this is not practical then take regular rest periods.

Treatment for Tendonitis

The treatment required will depend on the area of the body that is affected. Tendonitis can often be treated at home using the following advice:

• Stop doing the activity that caused the tendonitis which will prevent any further swelling or damage.
• Rest the affected area to allow any inflammation to subside.
• Use a support bandage or brace to minimise movement.
• Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
• Use ice packs after exercise as this can help to prevent symptoms occurring.
• Take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (see sprains and strains section).

If symptoms persist customers should be referred to the pharmacist as they may require referral to their GP. A GP may suggest that a patient suffering from tendonitis has physiotherapy or corticosteroid injections.