Symptoms of tendonitis

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 04, 2024
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The symptoms of tendonitis basically come down to three points. First, pain or a fixed tender point, generally located around joints or nearby areas, with severe cases possibly exhibiting numbness or tingling. Second, dysfunction, which is due to the stiffness of the joint associated with pain which limits joint movement, and occasionally there is mild swelling of the joint. Furthermore, if the tendon pain reoccurs from the originally damaged site and continues for a long time or recurs, it can lead to stiffness in the joint, subsequently resulting in limited joint mobility. The third point is the inflammatory response; tendonitis has specific signs of inflammation, including redness, swelling, heat, pain, and dysfunction.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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The difference between tendinitis and gout

The difference between tendinitis and gout is significant; these are two completely different diseases, although their symptoms are similar, including redness, swelling, heat, pain, and functional impairment. Tendinitis generally involves the muscles and tendons and is a type of aseptic inflammation caused by various reasons. In contrast, gout is due to abnormal metabolism of purines in the body, leading to the accumulation of gouty tophi in the joints, producing inflammatory symptoms. Therefore, tendinitis and gout are fundamentally different diseases.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can tendinitis be seen on an X-ray?

If you are referring to taking an X-ray, tendonitis can only be detected in one situation by X-ray, that is, if the tendonitis has caused calcification. Only then the calcification appears as a high density on the X-ray; otherwise, X-rays won’t show tendonitis. The best examination for tendonitis is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because MRI excels in viewing soft tissue disorders, a capability unmatched by other examinations. So, if you suspect you have tendonitis, an MRI should be the first choice, and taking X-rays is not very significant.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What should be paid attention to for tendinitis?

Things to pay attention to for tendinitis, which occurs due to overuse of muscle fibers or repeated intense pulling. It involves internal factors, which are your own factors, and external factors. This includes the incorrect intensity of training increase, which not only brings about technical fatigue, but the training environment is also very important. Therefore, after getting tendinitis, you need to start addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors mean finding a suitable exercise method based on your own situation, and not doing things you are incapable of. Extrinsic factors mean that you must pay attention to your exercise intensity, and specifically, the techniques and training environment, mainly to prevent injuries during training.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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The difference between tendinitis and tenosynovitis

Actually, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are essentially two aspects of the same condition. The term tendinitis usually refers to the part where the muscle transitions into the tendon, whereas tenosynovitis generally refers to the fibrous sheath over the tendon surface. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis often coexist; tendinitis can lead to tenosynovitis, and conversely, tenosynovitis can also affect tendinitis, causing or exacerbating it. Therefore, in clinical practice, there usually is not a clear distinction between tendinitis and tenosynovitis. It is common during surgeries for stenosing tenosynovitis to observe that the tendon is also congested and swollen, and even adhered to the tendon sheath. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are generally considered the same disease, merely referred to by two different names. However, if strictly distinguished, there is a certain difference, which lies in the location: tendinitis refers to the tendon itself, while tenosynovitis refers to the sheath outside the tendon.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Which location to massage for tendinitis

Since a tendon is a bundle that extends from the muscle belly and is elongated, during massage, one should not only focus on the painful area but should consider the entire muscle and tendon. Massaging only the painful area is similar to the notion of treating just the head for a headache or just the foot for foot pain. Therefore, when massaging, it is necessary to cover the entire muscle from its origin to its insertion, reaching the painful parts of the tendon. Also, one should avoid rough massage techniques; instead, gentle manipulations are encouraged. Otherwise, it could lead to counterproductive effects and not be beneficial. Gentle massage or heat application are both acceptable methods.