If you’ve ever experienced the pain of tendonitis, you know that it can make even simple tasks seem impossible. The inflammation of a tendon, the thick band of tissue that connects muscle to bone, is known as tendonitis. Although tendonitis can occur anywhere in the body, it is most commonly seen in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees.

There are many types of tendonitis, each with its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. In this blog, we will discuss the most common types of tendonitis and their corresponding treatments.

Types Of Tendonitis And Common Symptoms

1. Achilles Tendonitis

This condition primarily impacts the Achilles tendon, the large band of tissue that joins the calf muscle to the heel bone. The condition is characterized by pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, particularly during activities such as walking or running. In some cases, the pain may be severe enough to interfere with regular daily activities. Achilles tendonitis is caused by repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, often due to overuse.

2. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Rotator cuff tendonitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the shoulder. A group of tendons and muscles that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm is known as the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff helps to lift the arm.

The condition can be caused by an injury or direct blow to the shoulder. Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain, stiffness, and weakness in the shoulder. The pain may worsen with overhead motions or lying on the affected side.

3. Supraspinatus Tendonitis

Supraspinatus tendonitis is a condition that refers to the inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon. This tendon connects the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. The supraspinatus muscle helps to lift the arm away from the body and also assists in rotating the arm.

Supraspinatus tendonitis is a common injury due to repetitive arm movements. It can also be caused by a sudden impact or fall, which stresses the tendon. Symptoms of supraspinatus tendonitis include pain and tenderness in the shoulder, weakness in the arm, and difficulty moving the arm.

Treatment Options

No matter how painful tendonitis may feel, the good news is that there are effective treatments available for managing the pain.

  • Resting the affected area is often the first step, giving the tendon time to heal.
  • Applying ice to the area can also help to reduce swelling and pain.
  • In some cases, hand therapistsmay recommend physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the affected tendon.

 A hand therapist in Old Bridge, NJ offering therapy to a client

Reach Out To Certified Hand Therapists In Edison, NJ!

At Able Hands Rehab, our CHTs offer cryo-massage, trigger finger therapy, occupational therapy, and hand injury treatment to help relieve the muscle pain you’ve been experiencing.

We provide services in Old BridgeFreehold, and Edison. We offer our patients customized plan that serves their needs.

Contact us to learn more about the treatments we offer.