Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. Tenosynovitis is tendinitis accompanied by inflammation of the protective covering around the tendon (tendon sheath).
The cause is not always known.
Tendons are painful, particularly when moved, and sometimes swollen.
The diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and results of a physical examination.
Using a splint, applying heat or cold, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help.
Tendons are fibrous cords of tough tissue that connect muscles to bones. Some tendons are surrounded by tendon sheaths. (See also Introduction to Muscle, Bursa, and Tendon Disorders.)
The cause of tendinitis is often unknown. Tendinitis usually occurs during middle or older age, as the tendons weaken and become more susceptible to injury and inflammation. (Weakening of the tendon, called tendinopathy, usually results from many small tears that occur over time. Affected tendons may gradually or suddenly tear completely.) Tendinitis also occurs in younger people who exercise vigorously (who may develop rotator cuff tendinitis—see also Rotator Cuff Injury/Subacromial Bursitis) and in people who do repetitive tasks.
Certain tendons are particularly susceptible to inflammation:
Tendons of the shoulder (rotator cuff): Inflammation of these tendons is the most common cause of shoulder pain (see Rotator Cuff Injury/Subacromial Bursitis).
The two tendons that extend the thumb away from the hand: Inflammation of these tendons is called De Quervain syndrome.
The flexor tendons that clench the fingers: Inflammation causes these tendons to get caught in their sheaths, resulting in a popping feeling (trigger finger).
The tendon above the biceps muscle in the upper arm (bicipital tendon): Pain can occur when the elbow is bent or the arm is elevated or rotated.
Achilles tendon in the heel: Pain occurs at the back of the heel (Achilles tendinitis).
A tendon that runs over the side of the knee (popliteus tendon): Pain occurs on the outer part of the knee.
Tendons near the hip bone (trochanter): Because bursae may also be affected, the term trochanteric bursitis is often used to include inflammation of these tendons.
Some antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, may increase the risk of tendinopathy (weakening of the tendon) and rupture of the tendon.
Certain joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, gout, diabetes, and reactive arthritis, can increase the risk of tenosynovitis. In people with gonorrhea, especially women, gonococcal bacteria can cause tenosynovitis, usually affecting the tissues of the shoulders, wrists, fingers, hips, ankles, or feet.
Symptoms of Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis
The inflamed tendons are usually painful when moved or when pressed. Moving the joints near the tendon, even a little, may cause pain, depending on how severe the tendinitis is. Occasionally, the tendons or their sheaths swell and feel warm.
If tendinitis lasts a long time, calcium may become deposited. The area around the shoulder joint is often affected. In addition to being painful, the shoulder may feel stiff and weak. It may snap or catch when moved.
Diagnosis of Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis
A doctor's evaluation
Sometimes imaging tests
Doctors can usually diagnose tendinitis based on the symptoms and results of a physical examination.
Sometimes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography is helpful.
Treatment of Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis
Rest or immobilization, heat or cold, followed by exercises
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Sometimes injections of corticosteroids
Rest or immobilization with a splint or cast and application of heat or cold—whichever works—are often helpful. Taking NSAIDs for 7 to 10 days can reduce the pain and inflammation.
Other medications may be used, depending on the cause. For example, if gout
After inflammation is controlled, exercises to increase the range of motion should be done several times a day.
Chronic, persistent tendinitis can occur in rheumatoid arthritis and may have to be treated surgically to remove inflamed tissues. Physical therapy to increase range of motion and rehabilitate muscles and tendons may be needed after surgery. Surgery is occasionally needed to remove calcium deposits or repair the tendon from areas of long-standing tendinitis, such as the area around the shoulder joint. Occasionally, surgery is done to release scars that limit function or to remove part of a bone that is rubbing against a tendon.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Tendinitis may develop in the tendons of the muscles that help move, rotate, and hold the shoulder in place (rotator cuff).
Rotator cuff tendinitis (see also Rotator Cuff Injury/Subacromial Bursitis) is the most common cause of shoulder pain. It causes pain when the arm is raised (particularly between 40° and 120°) or when people dress. People often have pain during the night, especially when they lie on the affected arm.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis may occur suddenly and be severe, especially after physical activity, or they may develop more slowly and be milder.
Doctors may do x-rays to look for calcium deposits in the tendon. Sometimes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography is helpful to confirm there is not a complete tendon tear.
Range-of-motion exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and sometimes a corticosteroid injection can be used for treatment. Rarely, surgery is done to remove calcium deposits or repair the tendon if is completely torn.
