Tendonitis and Tendinosis
If you’re dealing with nagging pain that flares up during activity – or stiffness that won’t go away – you may be experiencing tendonitis or tendinosis. These common overuse injuries affect the tendons, the strong bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone and make movement possible.
The Summa Health Orthopedic Sports Medicine team is here to identify the source of your pain, relieve your symptoms and help you safely return to the activities you love.
What’s the Difference?
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, often caused by a recent increase in activity, repetitive motion or strain. It typically causes pain and swelling.
Tendinosis develops gradually. Instead of active inflammation, the tendon begins to remodel due to chronic overuse and inadequate healing. Over time, repeated strain can lead to degeneration, thickening and reduced strength.
Healthy tendons are flexible and resilient. When they’re overworked without enough recovery time, small tears can develop. Left untreated, tendon pain can worsen and increase the risk of more serious injury, including tendon rupture.
Where It Commonly Occurs
Tendonitis and tendinosis most often affect the:
- Shoulder (rotator cuff)
- Elbow (tennis or golfer’s elbow)
- Wrist
- Hip
- Knee (patellar tendon)
- Achilles tendon (back of the ankle)
Signs & Symptoms
With tendonitis or tendinosis, you may notice:
- Pain that worsens with movement or activity
- Tenderness when pressing on the tendon
- Morning stiffness
- Mild swelling or warmth
- Weakness in the affected area
- Limited range of motion
If pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning or interferes with daily activities, it’s time to seek care.
Who Is at Risk?
- Anyone can develop a tendon injury, but your risk increases if you:
- Suddenly increase workout intensity or duration
- Perform repetitive motions at work or in sports
- Use improper form or technique
- Skip warm-ups or recovery time
- Are over age 40 (tendons naturally lose flexibility with age)
- Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or inflammatory arthritis
Athletes, runners, manual laborers and active adults are especially prone to overuse tendon injuries.
Meet the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Team
The Summa Health Sports Medicine team is made up of primary care specialists and fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons who treat people of all ages and fitness levels. Our staff also serves as team physicians for area high schools and the Akron RubberDucks, as well as provides medical coverage for the Akron Marathon Race Series.
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore strength and prevent recurrence.
Nonsurgical treatments may include:
- Activity modification and rest
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or supportive taping
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength and movement mechanics
- Guided stretching and strengthening programs
- Ultrasound-guided injections, when appropriate
If symptoms don’t improve with conservative care, we may recommend regenerative therapies or, in select cases, minimally invasive surgery to repair damaged tissue.
Preventing Tendon Injuries
You can lower your risk by:
- Warming up before exercise and cooling down after
- Increasing activity gradually (following the 10% rule)
- Using proper form and technique
- Cross-training to avoid repetitive strain
- Wearing appropriate footwear and equipment
- Building strength and flexibility with a balanced fitness program
- Allowing time for rest and recovery
Listening to your body is key. Persistent soreness or increasing pain is a signal – not something to push through.
Tendon pain doesn’t have to sideline you. With early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, most people recover fully and return to normal activities safely. If you’re experiencing ongoing tendon pain, schedule an evaluation with our Orthopedic Sports Medicine specialists today. Let’s get you moving comfortably again.