Tendonitis is inflammation of your tissue that connects muscle to bone, often caused by repetitive movement or strain. It can affect joints like your elbow, knee, wrist, shoulder, or Achilles tendon, leading to pain and stiffness.
Treatment includes rest, ice, medication, physiotherapy, and sometimes injections or surgery. If symptoms persist, it’s important to seek medical advice to prevent long-term damage.
Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon - the thick, fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone. It often develops from repetitive motion, overuse, or strain, especially in areas where tendons are under frequent stress.
Tendonitis can affect any tendon, but it’s most common in:
Shoulder - shoulder tendonitis
Bicep - tendonitis of bicep muscle (rotator cuff tendonitis)
Elbow (especially outer forearm) - tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Wrist - tendonitis wrist
Thumb base - De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Hip - hip tendonitis
Knee (just below the kneecap) - patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
Foot and ankle - tendonitis foot, Achilles tendonitis (back of the ankle), extensor tendinitis (tendons on the top of your foot or hand), peroneal tendonitis (tendons running along your outer ankle).
Common causes of tendonitis include:
Tendonitis is especially common among athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, or caregiving. You can learn more about sports-related tendon injuries on our sports injury page.
Repeating the same movement - whether through work, sport, or daily habits - can strain your tendons over time. This constant stress leads to microtears and inflammation, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
As you age, your tendons naturally lose elasticity and strength. This degeneration makes them more vulnerable to injury, even during routine activities, and slows the healing process when inflammation occurs.
Tendonitis typically causes pain, swelling, and stiffness around your affected joint - especially during movement. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the cause and severity.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain or stiffness in these areas, it’s worth speaking to a specialist for assessment and treatment options.
Pain and swelling are the hallmark symptoms of tendonitis. They’re usually localised to your affected tendon, and often worsen with movement or pressure. The area may feel tender, warm, or visibly swollen, especially after activity.
Inflamed tendons can restrict movement in nearby joints, leading to stiffness and reduced flexibility. This happens as your body tries to protect the irritated tissue. It makes everyday motions, like bending, lifting, or reaching, feel tight or uncomfortable.
If you're wondering how to treat tendonitis, most cases respond well to simple, non-invasive care. Rest, ice, medication, and physiotherapy can reduce inflammation and restore movement. For more persistent symptoms, options like steroid injections, PRP therapy, or surgery may be considered.
In the early stages of tendonitis, rest and ice are essential to reduce inflammation and support healing.
Over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Options include:
Always follow dosage instructions and consult your healthcare provider if you have underlying conditions.
Physiotherapy helps relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence. Treatment may include guided stretching, strength-building exercises, and manual therapy to support healing and reduce strain on your tendon. A tailored physiotherapy plan improves flexibility and protects against future flare-ups.
Explore our physiotherapy services.
A steroid injection around your tendon may help reduce inflammation and ease pain, especially if it is persistent. These injections are typically used for short-term relief and are not recommended for long-term tendonitis.
PRP uses a concentrated sample of your own blood to promote tendon healing. Rich in growth factors, it helps reduce inflammation and support tissue repair, especially in cases of persistent tendonitis. It’s a low-risk option when other treatments haven’t worked.
Surgery is rarely needed for tendonitis treatment but may be considered if:
Your specialist will discuss surgical options if other treatments haven’t provided relief.
Recovery from tendonitis varies depending on the severity and how well it’s managed.
Healing is faster when you avoid activities that strain your tendon and by following your care team’s advice. Physiotherapy, medication, or injections may be recommended to support your recovery. Your healthcare provider will offer guidance as to when it’s safe to return to work, sport, or daily routines.
At Ramsay Health Care, we offer specialised care for tendonitis, with access to expert consultants, physiotherapists, and tailored treatment plans. Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, work-related strain, or chronic tendon pain, our team provides evidence-based therapies to help you recover and regain mobility.
Tendonitis treatment options include physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid or PRP injections, and, when needed, surgical intervention. Each plan is designed around your lifestyle, symptoms, and recovery goals.
If you're experiencing persistent tendon pain, don’t wait. Book a consultation with one of our tendonitis specialists and take your first step toward lasting relief.
Widespread tendonitis may be linked to repetitive strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
If several parts of your body are affected, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to check if there’s an underlying health condition causing it.
The most common tendonitis symptoms include:
In some cases, tendonitis may signal an underlying condition such as an autoimmune disease or chronic overuse. Persistent or recurring symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.
Signs of worsening tendonitis include increased pain, swelling, reduced mobility, or pain spreading to nearby joints. If your symptoms persist despite rest and treatment, consult your healthcare provider.
Yes, rest, ice therapy, massage, and gentle stretching are natural tendonitis treatments that can help. Some people find relief with anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, fatty fishes, turmeric, cinnamon and garlic. Research has found that acupuncture may help relieve pain with several sports-related injuries, including tendonitis.
Yes, tendonitis can return, especially if your tendon is re-strained or if underlying issues like poor alignment or muscle imbalance aren’t addressed. Even after healing, your affected tissue may remain more vulnerable. To reduce the risk of recurrence, it’s important to use proper technique, stretch regularly, strengthen surrounding muscles, and wear supportive footwear or protective gear like elbow sleeves. The right shoes, especially for conditions like flat feet, can improve alignment and reduce abnormal stress on tendons.
Light, low-impact movement may be safe and even helpful, but avoid exercises that stress your affected tendon. A physiotherapist can guide safe activity and rehabilitation.
Mild cases may improve in 2 to 3 weeks, while more severe or chronic tendonitis can take several months. Recovery depends on rest, treatment, and avoiding re-injury.
Mr Harish Kurup
Orthopaedics
Mr Harish Kurup is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Peterborough who specialises in foot and ankle surgery
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