Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Tendinitis?
A primary care doctor can usually check tendinitis, a swollen or irritated tendon, and start treatment. If physical therapy does not help, you may be sent to an orthopedic specialist, a doctor who specializes in muscles and bones. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is swelling or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. They help your muscles move your bones.
Tendinitis and tendonitis are two spellings of the same condition. It can happen in any tendon. It is often found in the elbow, heel, knee, shoulder, thumb, or wrist. Some forms are named after sports, such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and jumper's knee. In many cases, the tendon is also breaking down, which doctors call tendinosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary with the activity or the cause. They may include:
- Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a joint.
- Pain that gets worse with movement or activity.
- Pain at night.
- Stiffness in the morning.
- Trouble moving the joint.
- A grating or crackling feeling when you move the tendon.
- Swelling, sometimes with heat or redness.
Sudden, severe pain during an accident or activity may mean a torn tendon. A torn tendon is also called a ruptured tendon. You might hear a popping or snapping sound when the pain starts.
Causes and who gets it
Tendinitis can happen after an injury or from overuse. Playing sports is a common cause. It is often linked to sudden, sharp movements or repeated exercise, such as running, jumping, or throwing.
It can also happen with aging, because the tendon loses its stretch. Diseases that affect the whole body, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can also lead to it.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use your medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests, which take pictures of the inside of the body. During the exam, your provider checks for pain and tenderness when the muscle joined to the tendon is moved in certain ways. The skin over the tendon may be warm and red. Tests that may be done include an ultrasound, an x-ray, or an MRI.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, which is swelling and irritation. The first step is to reduce pain and swelling. Rest, wrapping or elevating the sore area, and medicines can help. Ice is helpful for recent, severe injuries.
For a mild tendon injury, you can start care at home. A mild tendon injury should feel better within 2 to 3 weeks. Follow these steps for 2 to 3 days:
- Rest: try not to move the tendon for 2 to 3 days.
- Ice: put a wrapped ice pack on the tendon for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Support: use an elastic bandage, a tube bandage, or a soft brace. It should be snug, not tight. Take it off before bed.
When you can move the area without pain stopping you, keep moving it so the joint does not get stiff. Avoid heavy lifting, strong gripping, or twisting that makes symptoms worse. Skip sports until the tendon has recovered.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can reduce both pain and swelling. Your provider may also suggest a splint or removable brace, and physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscle and tendon.
Steroid injections can help control pain. Surgery is needed only in rare cases, to remove inflamed tissue around the tendon. An orthopedic specialist may also recommend surgery to repair a torn tendon.
Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If overuse caused the problem, a change in work habits may be needed to stop it from coming back.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you hurt a joint and your symptoms do not get better within a few weeks. Get medical care right away if you are in a lot of pain or think you have torn a tendon.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can examine the sore area, order imaging tests, suggest first steps, follow your progress, and refer you to physical therapy or a specialist if you need one.
Common questions
Is tendinitis the same as tendonitis?
Yes, they are two spellings of the same condition.
How long does tendinitis take to heal?
A mild case of tendinitis should feel better within 2 to 3 weeks with home care. Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. See a doctor if your symptoms do not get better within a few weeks.
How is tendinitis treated?
The first step in treatment is to reduce pain and swelling. Rest, wrapping or raising the sore area, and medicines can help. Other treatments include physical therapy, steroid injections, and, rarely, surgery.
Can tendinitis lead to a torn tendon?
Yes, long-term inflammation raises the risk of further injury, such as a torn tendon. Sudden, severe pain during an accident or activity may be a sign of a tear.
Can tendinitis be prevented?
You cannot always prevent it, but you can lower the chance. Avoid repeated motions and overuse, keep your muscles strong and flexible, and warm up at a relaxed pace before hard activity. Wear supportive shoes for exercise.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
