Tendonitis is caused when there is damage to a tendon. The tendons are what connects the muscles to the bones. Most often, tendonitis will occur in the knees and elbows. It may also affect a person’s shoulders. Tendonitis can be difficult to diagnose as it shares many similar symptoms to other conditions such as Achilles heel, bursitis, and arthritis.
The best way to determine if you are suffering from tendonitis is to look for the several symptoms of the condition occurring at the same time. If you have pain, stiffness, and swelling near the joints, there is a chance that your tendon may be damaged. Your doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause of your pain by running a series of tests.
If you have tendonitis, you are more prone to other issues with the muscles and joints as damage to the tendon can lead to weakening muscles. Here are 14 signs of tendonitis to consider.
1. Swelling
Swelling is one of the most common signs or symptoms of a tendonitis. The damage in the area will cause blood to rush to the muscle that has been affected. The blood will start to pool in the area as a way to help prevent infection. It also starts to rebuild the tissue using amino acids as well as other nutrients.
If you notice swelling in any area of the body, this is a sign of the natural healing process, so it should not be considered as a negative. However, the swelling can cause some discomfort, especially if it starts to put pressure and strain on the tissue surrounding the area. The swelling may also make it difficult to move the spine and joints in a normal fashion.
If you notice swelling, treat with an ice pack alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. This should help to reduce some of the swelling and alleviate some of the pain that is associated with tendonitis.
