Overuse Injuries / Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of the tendons, the connective tissues between the muscles and the bones. Tendinitis can be acute or chronic.

What causes tendinitis?

Tendinitis is considered an overuse injury. It’s often a result of repetitive movements for a period of time.

Many people develop tendinitis as a result of a job or sport that require repetitive movements which often put stress on the tendons.

Some cases of tendinitis are a result of sudden, more serious injury.

What areas can get affected by tendinitis?

Tendinitis can occur in almost any part of the body where a tendon attaches to a bone. One of the most commonly affected areas the hand is the base of the thumb.

Who is at risk of developing tendinitis?

Anyone can get tendinitis. However, the ones who usually develop it are those who are involved in activities that require repetitive motions. This includes jobs in gardening/landscaping, woodworking, and shoveling. People who are into painting, tennis, baseball, golf, and skiing are also at risk of developing tendinitis.

Other factors that can increase one’s risk of developing tendinitis includes:

• use of medications that can wear off the tendons (e.g. statins and fluoroquinolone antibiotics)
• conditions that can weaken the muscles (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, gout).

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of tendinitis are usually felt at the point where the tendon attaches to a bone. These symptoms may include pain, which is often described as dull ache, mild swelling, and tenderness.

How is tendinitis treated?

Before we come up with your treatment plan, the hand and wrist specialists at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine will carefully assess your condition.

Initially, nonsurgical interventions such as rest (avoiding movements or activities that aggravate the condition), use of anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy may be recommended.

If nonsurgical interventions provide no relief, surgery may be recommended.

For more information about treatment for tendinitis, and to request an appointment with the board certified specialists at South Florida Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, please call (772) 288-2400.