Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common overuse injury that occurs when one or more tendons (tissue that connects muscles to bones) becomes inflamed. This results in pain and tenderness in the area around the joint.

While tendonitis can develop in tendons throughout the body, it occurs most frequently in shoulders, knees, and elbows. Types of tendonitis include:

• Rotator cuff tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons around the shoulder
• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee): Inflammation of the tendon under the kneecap
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Inflammation of the tendon that connects forearm muscles and the elbow
• Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel

The main symptom of tendonitis is pain that gets worse during activity. The pain may be sharp and sudden, or it may be an ache that persists over time.

Other symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion

Tendonitis is caused by repetitive activities that strain a tendon, for instance, pitching in baseball, landing in figure skating, running, and swimming.

Children are at greater risk of tendonitis while going through growth spurts. Other things that increase athletes’ risk of tendonitis include:

• Sudden increase in training time intensity
• Not getting enough rest between workouts
• Improper technique
• Poorly fitting or non-supportive shoes or boots

Your child’s doctor will ask your child about their sports, training regimen, when they first noticed the pain, and what makes it better. They may also order an X-ray or MRI to get a better look at the tendon and look for signs of inflammation.

Most cases of tendonitis can be treated with self-care.

• Time off from activities that cause tendonitis pain
• Placing ice wrapped in a towel to the sore area for 15 minutes at a time
• Anti-inflammatory medication, such as Motrin, Advil, or Aleve
• Physical therapy

Athletes can reduce their risk of tendonitis by:

• Warming up before any practice or competition
• Taking time to build up stamina at the start of each season
• Practicing proper technique to reduce tendon strain
• Giving muscles and tendons time to recover between practices

As the largest and most experienced pediatric and young adult sports medicine practice in the country, Boston Children's Sports Medicine Division provides expert care so young athletes can remain active in the sports they love.

The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, part of the Sports Medicine Division, is dedicated to the prevention of sports injuries. Our practical strategies help young athletes reduce their risk of injury while enhancing their sports performance. Our rehabilitation and strength training programs help injured athletes return to play stronger and healthier.