tendonitis: Understanding the Pain and How to Fix It

When dealing with tendonitis, the irritation and swelling of a tendon caused by overuse or injury. Also known as tendon inflammation, it can affect anyone who repeats the same motion over and over – from athletes to office workers.

At its core, tendonitis is an inflammatory response that compromises the tendon’s ability to handle stress. The condition often starts with micro‑tears in the collagen fibers, which trigger the body’s repair process. If the stress continues, the repair cycle can’t keep up, leading to persistent pain and stiffness. This makes tendonitis a perfect example of how repetitive motion and insufficient recovery intersect.

What Triggers Tendonitis and Why It Persists

Common triggers include sudden spikes in activity, poor biomechanics, and inadequate warm‑up. When a tendon is forced beyond its capacity, it releases cytokines that attract immune cells, creating the classic swelling you feel. The more you ignore the signal, the more the tissue remodels in a weakened state, which is why early rest is vital.

Managing tendonitis isn’t just about stopping the pain; it’s about restoring the tendon’s structure. That’s where several key interventions come in. First, NSAIDs, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen help blunt the inflammatory cascade, reducing swelling and making movement less painful. While they don’t repair the tendon, they create a window where gentle rehab can happen without excessive pain.

Second, physical therapy, targeted exercises and manual techniques designed to improve tendon loading patterns plays a dual role. It restores proper biomechanics, strengthens surrounding muscles, and gently loads the tendon to stimulate collagen alignment. A therapist will often prescribe eccentric loading drills because they have a strong track record of encouraging healthy tendon remodeling.

Third, in stubborn cases, doctors may consider a corticosteroid injection, a concentrated anti‑inflammatory medication delivered directly into the painful area. This can dramatically cut down swelling within days, providing relief that enables the patient to start a focused rehabilitation program sooner. However, because steroids can weaken tendon fibers if over‑used, they’re typically reserved for short‑term bursts.

Beyond medication and therapy, everyday habits matter. Adjusting training volume, improving ergonomics at work, and adding regular mobility work help keep tendon stress within safe limits. Think of tendon health as a balance beam: you need enough load to stay strong, but not so much that the beam cracks.

In the articles that follow, you’ll find detailed looks at specific drugs, dosage tips, and side‑effect profiles that relate directly to tendonitis care. Whether you’re comparing NSAIDs, exploring steroid options, or learning which rehab moves work best, the collection below gives you a practical roadmap to get back to pain‑free movement.