A dull ache that flares every time you reach overhead, grip a racket, or climb a flight of stairs can be a sign of tendinitis, irritation and inflammation of a tendon, the tough band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendinitis usually develops gradually, often after repetitive motion or a sudden jump in activity, and it can show up almost anywhere tendons are put under regular stress, including the shoulder, elbow, knee, and heel. Many people brush off tendon pain as ordinary soreness, but ignoring it can let the irritation linger and make everyday movement harder over time.
At Modern Edge Sports & Orthopedic Medicine, Dr. Michael Wong, DO, evaluates tendon pain with a hands-on exam and, when needed, in-office imaging to confirm what is really going on before recommending care. Board-certified and trained through UPMC, Dr. Mike built his practice around a non-surgical philosophy, so our team offers tendinitis treatment plans that start with the least invasive option that fits your injury and activity goals.
If tendon pain is keeping you off the field, out of the gym, or away from activities you enjoy, request an appointment with our team today and let us help you build a plan to get moving again.
Tendinitis can affect anyone from weekend athletes to people whose jobs involve repetitive motion. Because the right treatment depends on which tendon is involved and how long the irritation has been present, our team starts every visit with a thorough evaluation before recommending a plan.
Tendinitis tends to concentrate in a handful of areas that take the most repetitive stress:
Tendinitis most often results from repetitive strain, a sudden increase in training intensity, poor movement mechanics, or the natural loss of tendon elasticity that comes with age. Jobs and sports that involve repeated overhead motion, gripping, or running are especially common triggers.
The most common symptoms of tendonitis include localized tenderness, stiffness that improves with light movement but returns after rest, mild swelling, and a dull ache that worsens with the specific motion that irritates the tendon.
Most tendinitis responds well to conservative care, including rest, activity modification, bracing, and a structured stretching or strengthening program. When symptoms persist, Dr. Mike may recommend one of several non-surgical options that may help calm inflammation and support tendon healing, depending on your specific case:
These options are offered as part of an individualized plan and may help many patients manage tendon pain without surgery, though results vary from person to person.
Tendinitis is irritation and inflammation of a tendon, usually caused by repetitive motion or overuse. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, knee, or heel, and it can range from mild soreness to persistent pain that limits daily activity if it is not addressed.
Tendinitis is usually caused by repetitive strain on a tendon, such as from sports, exercise, or a job that involves the same motion over and over. A sudden increase in activity, poor technique, and age-related changes in tendon tissue can also contribute to the condition.
Treatment usually starts with rest, activity modification, and a targeted exercise program to reduce strain on the tendon. If pain continues, our team may recommend focal shockwave therapy or PRP therapy to support healing, and for chronic or severe cases, non-surgical tendon repair may be an option worth discussing with Dr. Mike.
Scheduling with our team is simple. You can request an appointment through our online appointment request form any time, and one of our staff members will follow up to confirm your visit. We look forward to helping you get back to the activities you love.