Learn how tendonitis and plantar fasciitis interact to cause heel pain, how to tell them apart, and the most effective treatments and prevention tips.
Tendonitis: What It Is and How to Manage It
When dealing with tendonitis, the inflammation of a tendon that leads to pain, swelling, and reduced motion. Also known as tendon inflammation, it shows up most often in people who repeat the same motion over and over, whether they’re athletes, hobbyists, or office workers. tendonitis is essentially the body’s warning sign that a tendon is being over‑used.
One of the main players in recovery is physiotherapy, targeted exercises and manual techniques that restore strength and flexibility to the affected tendon. Pair that with NSAIDs, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs that reduce pain and swelling, and you have a proven combo that tackles both the symptom and the underlying inflammation. In other words, physiotherapy addresses the functional deficit while NSAIDs calm the chemical fire.
Why Tendonitis Happens and Who’s at Risk
At its core, tendonitis happens when a tendon is subjected to repetitive strain without enough time to recover. This overload triggers microscopic tears, prompting an inflammatory response – that’s the triple: tendonitis includes inflammation, inflammation causes pain, pain limits movement. Sports that demand jumping, sprinting, or sudden direction changes—think basketball, tennis, or soccer—are classic culprits. But even typing for hours, gardening, or manual labor can spark the same cycle if you don’t vary your activity or stretch regularly.
Age and overall health also play a role. Older adults often have reduced blood flow to tendons, making healing slower. Likewise, conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can weaken connective tissue, increasing the odds of a flare‑up. Knowing these risk factors helps you spot early warning signs before the pain becomes disabling.
Symptoms usually start as a dull ache that worsens with activity and eases with rest. Swelling, a gritty sensation when moving the joint, and sometimes a visible knot around the tendon are common. If you notice these signs, pause the activity that caused them and consider a gentle ice pack for 15‑20 minutes a few times a day. Early intervention is key to preventing chronic issues.
Diagnosis is often clinical, but doctors may order an ultrasound or MRI to rule out tears or other problems. Once confirmed, the treatment plan typically follows a three‑step approach: reduce inflammation, restore function, and prevent recurrence. This is where our earlier semantic triples come together—physiotherapy reduces functional loss, NSAIDs control inflammation, and lifestyle tweaks lower future risk.
Practical steps you can take today include:
- Rest the affected limb for 48‑72 hours, avoiding the aggravating activity.
- Apply ice intermittently to limit swelling.
- Start gentle range‑of‑motion exercises after the initial rest period.
- Consult a healthcare professional about appropriate NSAID use.
- Work with a physiotherapist to design a progressive strengthening program.
The collection below dives deeper into each aspect: from detailed symptom checklists to specific physiotherapy routines, medication guidance, and prevention tips tailored for athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone who uses their bodies daily. Browse the articles to get the exact tools you need to tackle tendonitis head‑on and keep moving pain‑free.