Tendonitis (tendon inflammation) is often mistaken for other conditions like bursitis, arthritis, ligament sprains, stress fractures, or even nerve issues like carpal tunnel, because they all cause similar symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness near joints, but affect different structures (bursae, joint lining, ligaments, bone, or nerves). Key differentiators involve pain location (e.g., over a bursa vs. below kneecap), specific movements, or symptoms like numbness, requiring professional diagnosis with physical exams or imaging like MRI.
They may be caused by strain, overuse, injury, or too much exercise. Tendonitis may also be related to a disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection.
How is tendonitis treated?
Because bursitis and tendonitis pain may be felt near the joints, it is sometimes mistaken for arthritis. Knowing the differences between these conditions can help you identify and address the root cause of your joint pain to get you back to an active life.
Specifically, lupus can cause inflammation of your tendons and bursae to cause tendonitis and bursitis, which can result in joint pain and stiffness. Inflammation can also cause inflammation of the synovial membrane, which lines the joints, tendons, and bursae.
Early lupus warning signs often mimic other illnesses, but key indicators include extreme fatigue, fever, joint pain/swelling, skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash on the face), hair loss, and sensitivity to sunlight, alongside potential issues like headaches, mouth sores, and fingers/toes turning white or blue in the cold (Raynaud's). These symptoms can appear suddenly or slowly and come and go in flares.
Tendon Injuries: MRI scans can detect tendonitis, tendon ruptures, and overuse injuries. Other Soft Tissue Abnormalities: Including muscle tears, bursitis, and soft tissue tumors.
Tendinitis is often due to overuse
“What causes tendinitis to develop, is it's an inflammatory process to start and then sometimes it can also be a degenerative process,” said Dr. Umeh, “similar to what you see with other degenerative things within the body such as disc disease or arthritis.”
Bursitis typically presents with localized pain and tenderness over the affected bursa, which is often located near a joint. In contrast, tendinitis pain tends to follow the path of the affected tendon, which may be palpable and tender along its course.
Pain at the site of your tendon and the surrounding area. This pain can get worse when you move. Stiff joints or difficulty moving your joints. Hearing and feeling a cracking or popping sensation when you move.
For both tendonitis and tendinopathy, flexibility and strength training guided by a physiotherapist can begin immediately. An individualized rehabilitation schedule is necessary because every injury is unique and the lifestyle and goals of patients can range.
Sever's disease happens during the growth spurt of puberty. During a growth spurt, the bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates. The muscles and tendons can become tight, pulling on the growth plate in the heel. Activities and sports pull on the tight muscles and tendons, injuring the growth plate.
For tendonitis relief, try non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams like diclofenac gel. Also, menthol and counterirritant creams, capsaicin cream, and herbal creams with arnica or CBD are effective.
Stage IV of Tendinitis
This is the most painful stage with continuous pain. There is pain before, during and after activity. The pain alters how a person is playing, and they change the way they play to avoid pain. At this stage, there needs to be complete rest.
If you need treatment for tendonitis a GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller or suggest you use an ibuprofen gel on your skin to ease the pain. If the pain is severe, lasts a long time, or your movement is limited, you may be referred for physiotherapy. You can also see a physiotherapist privately.
Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 to 6 hours. And be sure to put a towel or cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Heat may be more helpful for ongoing tendon pain, often called tendinopathy or tendinosis. Heat can boost blood flow, and that may help the tendon heal.
The most common causes of bursitis are injury or overuse. But it can also be caused by infection. Pain, swelling, and tenderness near a joint are the most common signs of bursitis. Bursitis can be treated with rest and medicines to help with the inflammation.
Tendinitis and Bursitis: Rheumatologists can diagnose and treat tendinitis and bursitis, which are conditions that cause inflammation and pain in the tendons and bursae. These are structures that surround and provide support to the joints.
Tendonitis is primarily a pain problem. It starts with inflammatory cells inside the tendon causing pain and reduced functional ability leading to tendonosis. Over time, these tendon changes can harm the function of the tendon. If this happens for too long, it can lead to an increased risk of a tendon rupture (tear).
What autoimmune diseases cause tendon damage? Ans: Autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Ankylosing Spondylitis are the reason for chronic inflammation, which causes tendon damage, degeneration, and rupture.
Treating tendonitis
Apply ice packs. Compress the area with an elastic bandage to ease soreness and inflammation. Keep the joint elevated. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin (in adults), naproxen, or ibuprofen.
The four core symptoms of tendonitis are pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness, often accompanied by weakness or a grating sensation when moving the affected joint, with pain worsening during activity and improving with rest. These signs indicate inflammation and irritation where tendons connect muscles to bones, leading to discomfort and restricted movement.
A physical examination may also be done to look for signs of tendonitis. Imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds, may be used to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. Blood tests are not typically used to diagnose tendonitis.
The good news is that many tendon injuries respond well to massage therapy. Both tendinitis and tendinosis, for example, benefit from friction therapy, albeit through somewhat different mechanisms. In cases of tendinitis, friction therapy breaks up scar tissue and allows aligned tissue to form.
Symptoms of bursitis
painful – usually a dull, achy pain. tender or warmer than surrounding skin. swollen. more painful when you move it or press on it.