Are You Suffering From Tendinitis?
Watch this video to learn how it forms:
What Is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the thick, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It most commonly develops from repetitive movements, overuse, or sudden increases in activity. While tendinitis can affect any tendon in the body, it most frequently appears in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and hip.
Common types include:
- Rotator cuff tendinitis — affecting the shoulder
- Patellar tendinitis — involving the knee
- Tendinitis of the wrist — often linked to repetitive hand movements
- Biceps tendinitis — at the front of the shoulder or elbow
- Hip tendinitis — affecting the gluteal or hip flexor tendons
- Calcific tendinitis — when calcium deposits form within a tendon
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Most of the muscles that extend down your wrist are attached to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow that is known as the lateral epicondyle.
Sometimes, either by injury or overuse, the site where these muscles insert can start to become either irritated or inflamed. This condition is known as lateral epicondylitis or "tennis elbow"- although the majority of those affected do not have to play tennis.
Activities That Create Or Aggravate Tennis Elbow
The most common way for this condition to be created is from an activity that involves repetitive wrist extension.
Examples include tennis, carpentry, bricklaying, knitting, playing piano, typing, or lifting objects with your palm facing down. The condition is much more likely to strike your dominant arm.
The pain will typically begin as an intermittent or gradual discomfort during activity and then it progresses so that even simple activities, like holding a coffee cup, can become painful. Pain may in some cases increase when you straighten your arm, grip a doorknob or shake hands. The pain can also vary from mild to severe and commonly radiates into the forearm, sometimes to the wrist.
Tendinitis Symptoms: What to Watch For
Tendinitis symptoms vary depending on which tendon is affected, but common signs include:
- A dull ache or burning pain at the site of the tendon
- Tenderness when touching or pressing on the area
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Mild swelling around the affected joint
- Pain that worsens with movement and improves with rest
Shoulder tendinitis may cause difficulty lifting your arm overhead. Knee tendinitis — including patellar tendinitis — often presents as pain just below the kneecap that flares up during activity. Wrist tendinitis symptoms typically include aching or weakness when gripping or twisting.
How Should Tendinitis Be Treated?
Without any treatment, "tennis elbow" will often linger — 80% of patients still report pain after one year.
In most cases, the first step in a successful treatment plan is to modify or eliminate activities that cause these symptoms. At night, do your best to avoid sleeping with your elbow compressed beneath your pillow. Also, you should try to avoid lifting heavy objects with your palm facing down. Tennis or racquetball players may need to consider changing to a lighter racket or try a smaller handle.
If the situation calls for it we may prescribe a "counterforce brace" for your elbow. This brace will act as a temporary new attachment site for your muscles and will help to reduce the stress that is being placed on your elbow. We may prescribe some sports creams and home ice massage as well. Always remember to be patient with your recovery!
Chiropractic Care for Tendinitis in Cerritos, CA
At Pain Relief Center Cerritos, we help patients recover from tendinitis affecting the elbow, shoulder, wrist, knee, and hip. Our approach focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring normal movement, and addressing the root cause of the problem — not just masking symptoms.
Whether you're dealing with rotator cuff tendinitis, gluteal tendinitis, or recurring elbow pain, our team will build a personalized care plan to get you back to the activities you love.
