What is Tendonitis?
Disease description:
I've been having severe pain in my elbow recently, especially when moving it. I went to see a doctor, and they told me it's tendonitis. I'm confused—what exactly is tendonitis? I'm only in my thirties, and I haven't been engaging in excessive exercise regularly. How come I still got tendonitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Tendinitis primarily occurs in the tendons and their surrounding tissues. Tendons are strong connective tissues that connect muscles to bones, responsible for transmitting the force generated by muscles to the bones, thus enabling limb movement. Tendinitis usually occurs due to excessive use of tendons, repetitive movements, a sudden increase in load, or incorrect exercise techniques, which can cause minor injuries to the tendon and its surrounding tissues, leading to an inflammatory response.
Main symptoms include:
1. Tenderness: When a tendon becomes inflamed, pressing on the joint or the area near the joint produces a distinct sensation of tenderness.
2. Sharp pain: Frequently occurs in the shoulders, wrists, or heels, accompanied by significant numbness or prickling sensations.
3. Joint stiffness: After a tendon becomes inflamed, movement becomes restricted, causing a sensation of joint stiffness.
4. Mild joint swelling: Excessive range of motion during exercise may cause tendon inflammation, resulting in mild joint swelling, with increased pain upon palpation.
