Tendonitis (sometimes spelled tendinitis) is the inflammation of a tendon—which is a thickly corded, rope-like tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. When you move your muscles, the tendons pull the bones. There are tendons throughout your body, but the ones most likely to become inflamed, or red, hot, swollen, and/or painful, are found in the:
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- wrists
- Thumbs
- Calves
These are the parts of your body that are subjected the most to repetitive actions and force. Because tendonitis can occur in different parts of the body, each is often given a name that relates to the sports or activity that may cause it, such as:
- Tennis elbow (outer elbow)
- Golfer’s elbow (inner elbow)
- Pitcher’s shoulder (biceps)
- Swimmer’s shoulder (rotator cuff)
- Jumper’s knee (front aspect of your knee)
If your tendonitis is chronic or severe, and leads to rupture of a tendon—you may require surgical repair. Most cases of tendonitis, however, can be successfully treated with rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
