Medicines for Tendonitis

What it is

Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is pain, irritation, and inflammation of a tendon — the strong, cord-like tissues that connect muscles to bones. It is very common, and usually results from a tendon being overused, strained, or subjected to repetitive movements, though it can also follow a sudden increase in activity or, sometimes, an injury; age-related changes in the tendons also make them more prone to problems (the term "tendinopathy" is often used for the longer-term wear-and-degeneration changes that commonly underlie tendon pain). Tendonitis can affect tendons anywhere in the body, but common sites include the shoulder, the elbow (such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow), the wrist, the knee, the back of the ankle (Achilles tendon), and the base of the thumb. The symptoms of tendonitis typically include: pain in the affected tendon, which is often worse with movement or activity that uses the tendon, and may be worse at the start or after activity; tenderness over the tendon; sometimes mild swelling; and stiffness, particularly after rest. The pain can range from mild to more significant and can affect the use of the affected part. Tendonitis is usually not serious and often settles with self-care and time, though tendon problems can be slow to heal and sometimes persistent. The mainstays of treatment are relieving the pain, resting the tendon from the aggravating activity (while keeping it gently moving), and then a graded programme of exercises and rehabilitation to restore the tendon’s strength and function — particular types of exercises (such as loading exercises) are often central to recovering from tendon problems. Most people improve with these measures, though it can take weeks to months. For persistent cases, other treatments may be considered, and assessment helps if the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms are not improving. The key messages are that tendonitis is common and usually not serious, that rest from the aggravating activity plus a graded exercise/rehabilitation programme are central to recovery, and that tendon problems can be slow to heal, so patience and completing rehabilitation are important.

How it is treated

Tendonitis is usually managed with self-care and rehabilitation, centred on relieving pain, resting the tendon from the aggravating activity, and a graded exercise programme; most people improve, though tendon problems can be slow to heal. In the early, more painful stage, helpful measures include: resting the tendon from the activity or movement that aggravates it (while keeping it gently moving and not immobilising it completely, as some movement is helpful), and modifying activities to reduce the strain on the tendon; pain relief and, for some, anti-inflammatory measures or ice for comfort (a pharmacist can advise); and avoiding a sudden return to the activity that caused it. As the initial pain settles, the key to recovery is a graded rehabilitation programme — particularly exercises that progressively load and strengthen the tendon (and the surrounding muscles), which are often central to recovering from tendon problems; a physiotherapist can guide this, especially for persistent or significant cases. Addressing contributing factors — such as technique, equipment, footwear, training load, or workplace ergonomics — helps prevent recurrence. Recovery often takes weeks to months, and it is important to be patient and to progress gradually, as tendons can be slow to heal and returning to full activity too soon can cause a setback. For tendonitis that is persistent, not improving with these measures, or where the diagnosis is uncertain, it is worth seeing a GP or physiotherapist for assessment and guidance; other treatments (such as certain injections or, in specific and less common situations, other interventions) may be considered for particular persistent cases, though exercise-based rehabilitation remains central for most tendon problems. It is worth seeking assessment if there is significant weakness or inability to use the affected part, if a tendon injury is suspected to be a tear or rupture (for example sudden severe pain, a pop, or loss of function), or if symptoms are severe or not settling. The reassuring messages are that tendonitis is common and usually not serious, that rest from the aggravating activity plus a graded, progressive exercise/rehabilitation programme are the mainstays and help most people recover, and that patience is needed as tendon problems can be slow to heal.