Tendonitis and other tendon injuries

What are tendons?

Tendons are strong bands or cords of tissue that attach muscle to bone. They help to move the bones and joints when muscles contract.

The main types of tendon injury are:

Tendonitis – inflammation of a tendon

Tendinopathy – the gradual deterioration of a tendon

Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the protective sheath that surrounds a tendon

Tendon rupture – sudden tear in a tendon

Tendon injuries usually happen during sports or activities that involve sudden, sharp movements, or after repeated overuse, and can affect the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, fingers and backs of the heels.

They can also be caused by repetitive daily activities, such as regularly using a computer keyboard. This is known as a repetitive strain injury (RSI).

What are the symptoms?

Pain that gets worse when you move the affected area; stiffness, which may be worse in the morning; weakness or being unable to move a joint; a sensation that the tendon is grating or crackling as it moves; swelling, sometimes with heat or redness; a lump on the tendon.

When to see your GP

Minor tendon injuries usually get better in a few weeks, but see your GP if your symptoms are severe or don’t start to improve within this time. You may be referred for an X-ray, ultrasound scan or MRI scan.

What is the treatment?

Rest up. As you improve, gradually return to normal activities. Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen and applying an ice pack to the affected area may help relieve the pain.

For more persistent injuries, your GP may refer you for physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat longterm injuries which haven’t improved, or to repair a ruptured tendon.