Tendinitis

Also called: Tendonitis

Tendons are the tough cords of tissue that attach muscles to bones. They help your muscles move your bones. Tendinitis means inflammation of a tendon. It causes pain and tenderness near a joint. It usually occurs in the shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, heels or wrists. Depending on where it happens, it may have a special name, such as tennis elbow.

Injuries and overuse are common causes of tendinitis. Cross-training, stretching and decreasing your intensity when you exercise might help prevent tendinitis. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also can cause it. You can usually treat tendinitis with rest, ice and medicine to relieve pain and decrease swelling. Other treatments include ultrasound, physical therapy, steroid injections and surgery.