Tendonitis Specialist

What is tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a condition that affects the thick cords that keep your bones attached to your muscles. When these cords get inflamed or irritated, you develop a persistent tenderness and pain in the areas surrounding the affected joint.

Inflamed tendons can occur anywhere in your body, but they most commonly affect the joints of your:

• Knees
• Wrist
• Heel
• Elbows
• Shoulders

Tendonitis is often known by other names, based on the affected area, such as tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, and swimmer’s shoulder.

Peroneal tendinosis is a related condition that affects the tendons on the outside of your ankle, behind the fibula. This condition results when these tendons grow enlarged and begin to swell as the result of repetitive activities that irritate the tendon fibers.

What causes tendonitis?

The most common cause of tendonitis is a repetitive motion that occurs over time. For this reason, athletes like baseball pitchers often develop tendonitis.

Also at increased risk for developing tendonitis are people with jobs that require repetitive movements, such as lifting boxes or frequently reaching their arms overhead.

In some cases, you can develop tendonitis as the result of a sudden injury, such as a fall or in an auto accident.

As you age, your muscles and tendons lose flexibility, leaving you at increased risk for tendon injuries, such as tendonitis.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Common symptoms of tendonitis include:

• Tenderness
• Mild swelling
• A dull ache in your joint or limb

You should seek medical treatment if your pain begins to interfere with your work or other activities, or if your symptoms begin to worsen. Untreated tendonitis can result in more serious issues and possible tears of the tendon. This condition causes degenerative changes in your tendons that ultimately requires surgery.

What treatment options are available for tendonitis?

Initially, Dr. Stautberg may recommend rest and over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to keep you comfortable. Corticosteroid injections can also be effective in relieving swelling and reducing your pain.

Dr. Stautberg may recommend physical therapy to stretch your tendons and improve your range of motion.

If these treatments aren’t effective in relieving your pain or mobility issues, Dr. Stautberg may recommend surgery to repair the injured tendon, especially if your pain is the result of the tendon separating from the bone.

To learn more about treating and preventing tendonitis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stautberg by calling his Houston orthopedic practice or using the online booking feature.