7 Common Tendinitis Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Tendinitis, also spelled tendonitis, is a common inflammatory condition that affects the tendons—the thick fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. This condition can occur in any tendon throughout your body but is most frequently found in shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. Understanding the symptoms of tendinitis is crucial for early detection and proper management of this painful condition.

When a tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, it can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. Whether you’re an athlete, office worker, or simply going about your daily routine, recognizing the warning signs of tendinitis can help you take appropriate action before the condition worsens. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common symptoms of tendinitis, their causes, and preventive measures to keep your tendons healthy.

1. Pain and Tenderness at the Affected Area

The most prominent symptom of tendinitis is pain located at or near the affected tendon. This pain typically develops gradually and worsens over time, though it can also appear suddenly in some cases.

The pain characteristics include:

• Localized discomfort: The pain is usually concentrated at the junction where the tendon attaches to the bone
• Dull or aching sensation: Many people describe the pain as a persistent dull ache rather than sharp stabbing pain
• Tenderness to touch: The area becomes sensitive when pressed or touched
• Activity-related pain: Discomfort intensifies during movement or activities that engage the affected tendon
• Night pain: Some individuals experience increased pain during rest or at night, especially when lying on the affected side

The pain may start as mild discomfort but can progress to severe pain that interferes with normal function if left unaddressed. Unlike muscle soreness that typically improves with warm-up, tendinitis pain often worsens as you continue the activity.

2. Swelling and Inflammation

Swelling is a telltale sign of tendinitis that occurs as the body’s inflammatory response to tissue irritation. The affected area may appear puffy or enlarged compared to the corresponding area on the opposite side of your body.

Key characteristics of swelling in tendinitis include:

• Visible enlargement: The tendon area may look noticeably thicker or more prominent than usual
• Warmth to touch: The swollen area often feels warmer than surrounding tissues due to increased blood flow
• Mild to moderate severity: Swelling in tendinitis is typically less dramatic than in acute injuries but persistent
• Fluctuating appearance: Swelling may be more pronounced after activity and slightly reduced after rest

The inflammation represents your body’s attempt to heal the damaged tendon tissue. However, chronic inflammation can actually impede the healing process and lead to further tendon degeneration if the causative factors aren’t addressed.

3. Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion

Many people with tendinitis experience significant stiffness in the joint near the affected tendon, particularly after periods of inactivity. This symptom can be especially frustrating as it limits your ability to move freely and perform routine tasks.

Stiffness manifestations include:

• Morning stiffness: The affected joint feels particularly tight and rigid upon waking, often requiring several minutes of gentle movement to loosen up
• Post-rest stiffness: After sitting or remaining still for extended periods, the joint becomes stiff and difficult to move
• Limited flexibility: You may notice decreased ability to bend, extend, or rotate the joint through its full range of motion
• Gradual improvement with movement: Unlike arthritis, tendinitis stiffness often improves somewhat as you gently move the joint
• Functional limitations: Simple activities like reaching overhead, gripping objects, or climbing stairs may become challenging

The stiffness occurs because inflammation and swelling in the tendon restrict its ability to glide smoothly during joint movement. Over time, if tendinitis becomes chronic, scar tissue may form, leading to permanent restriction of movement.

4. Crackling or Grating Sensation (Crepitus)

Some individuals with tendinitis experience an unusual crackling, popping, or grating sensation when moving the affected joint. This phenomenon, known medically as crepitus, can be both felt and sometimes heard.

Characteristics of crepitus in tendinitis:

• Audible sounds: You or others nearby may hear clicking, popping, or crackling noises when you move the joint
• Palpable sensation: If you place your hand over the affected tendon during movement, you can often feel the grinding or grating sensation
• Irregular movement: The tendon doesn’t glide smoothly but seems to catch or stick during motion
• Associated with inflammation: The sensation results from the roughened, inflamed tendon rubbing against surrounding tissues or the tendon sheath
• Not always painful: While crepitus can accompany pain, some people experience it without significant discomfort

This symptom indicates that the tendon surface has become irregular due to inflammation and possible tissue damage. The presence of crepitus suggests that the condition has been present for some time and warrants medical attention.

5. Weakness in the Affected Area

Progressive weakness in the muscles connected to the inflamed tendon is a significant symptom of tendinitis. This weakness can make it difficult to perform activities that were previously easy and may lead to compensatory movements that strain other body parts.

Weakness presentations include:

• Reduced grip strength: In cases of elbow or wrist tendinitis, you may struggle to hold objects firmly or open jars
• Difficulty lifting: Shoulder tendinitis can make it challenging to lift your arm or carry objects
• Instability: The affected joint may feel unstable or as though it might give out during use
• Fatigue during repetitive movements: The affected area tires more quickly than usual during activities
• Compensatory patterns: You may unconsciously alter your movement patterns to avoid using the weak, painful tendon

The weakness occurs partly because pain causes reflex inhibition of muscle contraction—your nervous system essentially prevents full muscle activation to protect the painful area. Additionally, if you’ve been avoiding using the affected limb, muscle atrophy may develop, further contributing to weakness.

6. Burning Sensation Along the Tendon

A distinctive burning sensation along the entire length of the affected tendon is a symptom that many people with tendinitis report. This symptom differs from the localized pain at the attachment point and can extend along the tendon’s path.

Characteristics of the burning sensation:

• Linear distribution: The burning feeling follows the course of the tendon, sometimes extending several inches
• Intensity variation: The sensation may range from mild warmth to intense burning depending on the severity of inflammation
• Activity correlation: The burning typically intensifies during or immediately after activities that stress the tendon
• Rest improvement: The sensation often diminishes with rest and elevation but returns with resumed activity
• Association with nerve irritation: In some cases, the inflamed tendon may irritate nearby nerves, contributing to the burning sensation

This symptom is particularly common in tendinitis affecting larger tendons such as the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, or rotator cuff tendons. The burning sensation indicates active inflammation and should be taken seriously as a warning to modify your activities.

7. Localized Redness and Heat

While not present in all cases, some people with tendinitis develop visible redness (erythema) and increased warmth at the site of the inflamed tendon. These signs indicate a robust inflammatory response and are more commonly seen in acute or severe tendinitis.

Features of redness and heat in tendinitis:

• Pink to red discoloration: The skin over the affected tendon may appear flushed or reddened compared to surrounding skin
• Warm to hot touch: The area feels noticeably warmer than adjacent tissues when touched
• Inflammatory markers: These signs indicate active inflammation with increased blood flow to the area
• Variable presentation: Some types of tendinitis show more pronounced redness and heat than others
• Distinction from infection: While redness and heat are present, they’re typically less severe than in cases of infection, which also presents with fever and severe swelling

If you notice significant redness and heat accompanied by fever, increasing swelling, or red streaks extending from the area, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly as these could indicate infection rather than simple tendinitis.

What Causes Tendinitis?

Understanding the underlying causes of tendinitis can help you identify risk factors and take preventive measures. Tendinitis develops when a tendon is subjected to excessive stress or repetitive strain that exceeds its capacity to heal and adapt.

Primary causes of tendinitis include:

• Repetitive movements: Performing the same motion repeatedly, whether at work, during sports, or in daily activities, is the most common cause of tendinitis. Activities like typing, painting, throwing, or tennis can lead to overuse injuries.
• Sudden increase in activity: Rapidly intensifying your exercise routine or taking on physically demanding tasks without adequate conditioning can overwhelm your tendons’ ability to adapt.
• Poor posture and body mechanics: Incorrect technique during sports or work activities places abnormal stress on tendons, leading to inflammation over time.
• Age-related changes: As we age, tendons become less flexible and more susceptible to injury. The blood supply to tendons decreases with age, reducing their healing capacity.
• Occupational factors: Certain professions that require repetitive movements, awkward positions, or vibration exposure increase tendinitis risk. Examples include construction work, assembly line work, and computer-intensive jobs.
• Sports participation: Athletes are particularly vulnerable to tendinitis, especially in sports involving repetitive overhead motions (swimming, baseball), jumping (basketball, volleyball), or running.
• Inadequate warm-up: Beginning intense physical activity without proper warm-up exercises leaves tendons unprepared for the stress, increasing injury risk.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Certain health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can increase susceptibility to tendinitis.
• Structural abnormalities: Anatomical variations such as leg length discrepancy, flat feet, or bone spurs can create abnormal stress patterns on tendons.
• Previous injuries: Inadequately healed tendon injuries or scar tissue formation can predispose the area to recurrent tendinitis.

Prevention Strategies for Tendinitis

Preventing tendinitis is far easier than managing it once it develops. By implementing these protective strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this painful condition.

Effective prevention measures:

• Proper warm-up and cool-down: Always begin physical activities with 5-10 minutes of gentle warm-up exercises to increase blood flow to your tendons. End with stretching to maintain flexibility.
• Gradual progression: When starting a new activity or increasing exercise intensity, follow the “10% rule”—don’t increase your activity level by more than 10% per week.
• Ergonomic workplace setup: Arrange your workspace to promote neutral joint positions. Use ergonomic keyboards, adjust your chair height properly, and position your computer monitor at eye level.
• Cross-training: Vary your activities to avoid repetitive stress on the same tendons. If you run, incorporate swimming or cycling to give your Achilles tendon periodic breaks.
• Strengthening exercises: Regularly perform exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your tendons. Strong muscles reduce the load on tendons during activities.
• Flexibility training: Maintain good flexibility through regular stretching. Flexible tendons and muscles are more resistant to injury.
• Proper technique: Learn and consistently use correct form for sports and work activities. Consider working with a coach or trainer to optimize your technique.
• Adequate rest and recovery: Allow sufficient time between intense activities for your tendons to recover. Rest is when your body repairs micro-damage that occurs during activity.
• Appropriate equipment: Use proper equipment for your activities. This includes supportive footwear for running, properly fitted tools for work, and correctly sized sports equipment.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to early warning signs like mild pain or stiffness. If you experience discomfort, modify or stop the activity rather than pushing through pain.
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain tendon health and flexibility. Dehydrated tendons are more prone to injury.
• Maintain healthy body weight: Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing tendons, particularly in the lower extremities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tendinitis and tendonitis?

There is no difference—tendinitis and tendonitis are simply two different spellings of the same condition. “Tendinitis” is the more medically accurate term following Latin roots, while “tendonitis” is a common alternative spelling. Both refer to inflammation or irritation of a tendon.

How long does tendinitis typically last?

Acute tendinitis with proper rest and care usually improves within a few weeks to three months. However, chronic tendinitis that has developed over time may take several months to heal completely. The duration depends on the severity of the condition, the specific tendon affected, and how well you follow management recommendations.

Can tendinitis go away on its own without medical intervention?

Mild tendinitis may improve with rest and self-care measures such as avoiding the aggravating activity, applying ice, and gentle stretching. However, moderate to severe tendinitis typically requires medical attention to prevent progression to chronic tendinitis or tendon rupture. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, consult a healthcare provider.

When should I see a doctor for tendinitis symptoms?

You should seek medical attention if you experience severe pain or swelling, if symptoms persist beyond a few days of rest and self-care, if the pain significantly interferes with daily activities, if you notice signs of infection like fever or increasing redness, or if you hear a popping sound followed by immediate severe pain, which could indicate tendon rupture.

What’s the difference between tendinitis and arthritis?

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, while arthritis is inflammation of a joint. Tendinitis pain is typically localized to the tendon area and worsens with specific movements that stress the affected tendon. Arthritis pain is centered in the joint itself and may be present even at rest. Tendinitis is often related to overuse, while arthritis can have various causes including autoimmune conditions and wear-and-tear degeneration.

Can I continue exercising with tendinitis?

This depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you have mild tendinitis, you may be able to continue modified activities that don’t stress the affected tendon. However, you should avoid the specific movement or activity that caused the problem. Exercising through significant pain can worsen the condition and delay healing. Consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist for guidance on appropriate activities during recovery.

Are certain people more prone to developing tendinitis?

Yes, several factors increase tendinitis risk including age (people over 40 are more susceptible), participation in sports or jobs requiring repetitive motions, having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, having poor posture or biomechanics, smoking (which impairs blood flow to tendons), and having previous tendon injuries.

Is it tendinitis or tendinosis—and does it matter?

Yes, there is an important distinction. Tendinitis refers to acute inflammation of a tendon, while tendinosis describes chronic degeneration of the tendon tissue without significant inflammation. Tendinosis typically develops from long-standing tendinitis that hasn’t healed properly. The distinction matters because management approaches may differ, with tendinosis often requiring a longer recovery period and different strategies to promote tendon regeneration.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Tendinitis
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Tendinitis
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Tendinitis
• NHS – Tendonitis
• Cleveland Clinic – Tendinitis