Understanding Tendon Swelling

Tendons are the tough bands of fibrous connective tissue that attach muscles to bones. They are essential for movement and stability of all limbs and joints, as well as taking some of the impact when we do forceful movements.

Tendon swelling, also referred to as tendonitis, is a common issue that can affect any tendon in your body. It can also cause significant pain and discomfort.

In this article, we will explore what it feels like to have tendon swelling, where it will typically occur, and what commonly causes it. We’ll also discuss some of the related conditions and the treatment options typically prescribed to ease the pain and swelling. Additionally, we’ll explore how Neurofunctional Pain Management is a fantastic solution that offers long-lasting pain relief without the need for medications or invasive procedures.

If you or someone you know is experiencing painful tendons, they might have tendon swelling. Don’t worry; our goal is to provide you with helpful insights so you can understand your own symptoms better and have the knowledge to choose the treatment options right for you and your lifestyle.

Let’s start by describing what tendon swelling typically feels like.

What Does Tendon Swelling Feel Like?

When it comes to tendon swelling, pain is the most common symptom. However, there are a number of other uncomfortable symptoms to look out for. The wider list of discomforts can include:

• Pain and tenderness: Swollen tendons can bring on localized pain and tenderness. This discomfort can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of inflammation.
• Visible swelling: Tendon swelling can make the skin around it look puffy and inflamed.
• Grating sensation: Some individuals may notice a strange grating or creaking feeling during movement. This is because the inflamed tendon is rubbing against surrounding structures and causing friction.
• Lumps: Swollen tendons may form small lumps that you can feel under the skin. These lumps indicate inflammation and irritation of the area.
• Weakness: Tendon swelling can cause the tendon to weaken, causing reduced strength and making it harder to complete daily activities.
• Reduced range of motion: Inflammation can also restrict the joint’s range of motion, making everyday movements more difficult and painful.
• Skin discoloration: Sometimes, the skin over the swollen tendon can turn red and feel warm to the touch. This is from increased blood flow and inflammation in the area.

Remember, pain is your body’s warning sign that something isn’t right. So, if you are feeling pain as well as noticing swelling, weakness, or any of these other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor to examine your symptoms and reduce the risk of further injury. Now, let’s go on to explore where swollen tendons will usually occur.

Where Does The Swelling Occur?

Swollen tendons can occur anywhere in the body, but there’s usually a reason behind it, like overuse or injury. So, the joints and structures of the body that are most susceptible are those that are exposed to repetitive movements or that face a lot of strain. These include:

• Shoulders: The four rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder can become inflamed from repetitive overhead movements or sports injuries.
• Elbows: Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common terms for tendonitis that happens when a person does the same high-force, repetitive movements over and over.
• Wrists: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes swelling of the wrist and thumb tendons, making it painful to rotate the wrist or grip objects.
• Knees: The knee is a really common area for tendon swelling to occur. Patellar tendonitis occurs just below the kneecap, making it painful and challenging to move around.
• Ankles: Swelling of the Achilles tendon can be really painful, especially as it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This can make walking, standing, and even certain sitting positions painful.
• Feet: Tendon swelling on the top of the foot often affects those who spend long hours walking, running, or standing. Once these tendons become inflamed, performing any of these tasks becomes quite a struggle.

From top to toe, these are the joints and structures of the body that get used most often in our day-to-day activities and hobbies. Let’s dig deeper into why these overactive joints and muscles end up with swollen tendons in the next section.