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You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! In this article, the doctors from Orthopaedic Speciality Group take the time to answer some of their patients’ most frequently asked questions about tendinitis.

What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis (or tendonitis) is the inflammation of a tendon in your body. A tendon is a type of connective tissue that attaches bone to muscle.

What are the symptoms of tendinitis?
Symptoms of tendinitis tend to occur where the tendon attaches to the bone, and can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and the feeling the your tendon is grinding as it moves. The affected area may also become hot and red.

What causes tendinitis?
Tendinitis can be caused by a sudden, traumatic injury, or over time by repetitive movements. Some activities known to cause tendinitis include gardening and raking, painting, scrubbing, throwing, and participation in sports.

What are the risk factors for tendinitis?
Anyone can get tendinitis, but it is most common in adults over 40. As tendons age, they lose their elasticity and become damaged more easily. People whose occupations or hobbies require repetitive movements are also at a higher risk for tendinitis.

How is tendinitis diagnosed?
Many times, tendinitis can be diagnosed by a general practitioner through a physical examination, where they will ask questions about symptoms and test the tendon for pain and range of motion. An X-Ray or MRI may be required to confirm the diagnosis, but this is usually not necessary.

Is there any way to prevent tendinitis?
Avoiding repetitive movements is the best way to prevent tendinitis. You should also warm up and cool down before and after exercising, and stop all physical activity if you begin to feel pain.

What should I do if I think I have tendinitis?
If you suspect you may have tendinitis, schedule an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible. Waiting too long will only cause symptoms to worsen and risk long-term damage.

If you live in Fairfield County and suffer from tendinitis, schedule an appointment with the orthopedic experts at OSG. As southern Connecticut’s largest orthopedic practice, we can fix virtually every bone and joint in your body. Request an appointment online, or give us a call at (203) 337-2600.