Tendonitis

Tendonitis and tendinopathy are conditions that affect the tendons, the bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones and allow your joints to move. Tendon pain can develop gradually and interfere with work, exercise and everyday activities. With the right evaluation and care, most people find relief and return to the movements they enjoy.

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Detailed diagram of the human knee joint with labeled structures including the patella and ligaments.

Anatomy of the tendon

Tendons are strong yet flexible bands of tissue that transmit force from muscle to bone, allowing your joints to move smoothly and stay stable. Healthy tendons can withstand a lot of stress, but they aren't indestructible.

Over time, factors such as repetitive motion, aging or poor biomechanics can weaken a tendon's structure. Reduced blood flow and elasticity make tendons more vulnerable to injury and slower to heal, especially when strain continues without enough recovery. When a tendon is exposed to repetitive stress, overuse or sudden strain, tiny tears can develop within the tissue, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced function. Tendonitis typically refers to short-term inflammation, while tendinopathy is a broader term that includes chronic tendon degeneration over time.

Overview

Symptoms

Tendon injuries often begin gradually. Common symptoms include:

Pain during or after activity
Localized tenderness or swelling
Stiffness, weakness or reduced range of motion
Pain with stretching or resisted movement
A snapping or crackling sensation during motion

Without treatment, symptoms may persist and interfere with daily activities, even when you're at rest.

Causes

Tendonitis can develop for many reasons, most often related to how a tendon is used. Common contributors include:

Repetitive motions during sports, work or hobbies
Sudden increases in activity level or training intensity
Improper technique, posture or muscle imbalances
Age-related tendon degeneration
Underlying conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory arthritis

Certain tendons are more prone to tendonitis due to frequent use, including the patellar tendon below the kneecap (patellar tendonitis or jumper's knee), the biceps tendon at the front of the shoulder, the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder and the tendons involved in tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Understanding the location and cause of your tendon pain helps determine the most effective treatment plan.

Risk factors

Although athletes are at higher risk for tendonitis due to repeated high-impact movements, this condition can affect anyone. Even everyday activities like gardening, painting or prolonged computer use can place repeated stress on tendons. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you'll develop tendonitis, but being aware of them can help you protect your tendons:

Participation in sports or activities with repetitive motion
Jobs or hobbies that require repeated gripping, lifting or bending
Poor technique, posture or muscle imbalances
Getting older, since tendons naturally lose some elasticity over time
Underlying conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory arthritis

Diagnosis

Diagnosing tendonitis starts with a thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history and physical examination. Your physician will assess your pain patterns, joint movement and strength. Imaging studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis, including X-rays to rule out bone-related conditions and ultrasound or MRI to evaluate tendon thickening, tears or degeneration. When appropriate, additional testing may help identify underlying conditions that affect healing.

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