Tendonitis

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a common musculoskeletal condition that refers to the inflammation and irritation of tendons, the tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. This condition commonly arises due to overuse, repetitive motions, or strain, and it can affect various body parts, including the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. The most common symptoms of tendonitis include localized pain, tenderness, swelling, and reduced joint flexibility.

Common Symptoms of Tendonitis:

Potential Causes for Tendonitis:

• Repetitive motions or excessive strain
• Natural degeneration of tendons
• Trauma or sudden impact
• Incorrect form in sports or exercise
• Irregular joint alignment
• Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and other underlying conditions
• Skipping warm-up exercises before physical activities

Treatment Options for Tendonitis

If you’re experiencing persistent joint or tendon pain, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation to prevent further injury. At Westlake Sports Medicine, we begin with a thorough physical examination, review of your medical history, and, when appropriate, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI to assess the extent of inflammation or damage.

Once a clear diagnosis is made, we develop a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and address the root cause of your tendonitis—helping you return to daily activities and performance goals with confidence.

Regenerative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we often incorporate regenerative medicine into treatment plans for tendonitis to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation—without the need for surgery.

One of our most effective tools is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This involves drawing a small sample of your blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them directly into the affected tendon. These platelets release growth factors that help stimulate tissue repair and support long-term recovery.

In some cases, we may also recommend exosome therapy, which delivers cellular messengers that enhance the body’s natural healing response on a deeper level.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we believe in treating more than just the symptoms. That’s why we incorporate strategies to address the underlying causes of tendonitis and support longterm healing.
Your personalized care plan may include:

• Targeted physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
• Nutritional guidance and anti-inflammatory supplements to support tissue repair
• Lifestyle modifications that reduce strain and promote recovery

By approaching your condition from multiple angles, we aim to optimize healing, improve resilience, and help you return to full function—stronger than before.

Last Resort: Arthroscopic Surgery

While our priority is always to heal without surgery, there are rare cases where conservative treatments are not enough. In such situations, arthroscopic surgery may be considered as a last resort.

This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through tiny incisions to repair tendon damage or remove inflamed tissue. When necessary, we coordinate care with trusted orthopedic surgeons to ensure seamless, expert-guided outcomes.

Surgical intervention is reserved for severe or non-responsive cases, and only after all other non-invasive options have been thoughtfully explored.

Tendonitis FAQs

You should see a doctor for tendonitis if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or restricted movement in the affected area or if symptoms do not improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments after a few days. Early medical intervention can prevent further damage.
Yes, tendonitis can often be prevented by maintaining proper posture, using ergonomic equipment, performing regular stretching and strengthening exercises, and avoiding repetitive motions. Gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities and using proper techniques can also help reduce the risk of developing tendonitis.
Recovery from tendonitis typically takes a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to treatment protocols. Rest, physical therapy, and appropriate medical interventions can expedite recovery. Chronic cases may require longer treatment periods and more intensive rehabilitation.
Tendonitis is diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations, patient history, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI. Your provider will assess symptoms, check for tenderness and swelling, and evaluate the range of motion to determine the extent of tendonitis.
Tendonitis commonly affects parts of the body that experience repetitive motion or strain, including the shoulders (rotator cuff), elbows (tennis or golfer’s elbow), wrists, knees (patellar tendonitis), and heels (Achilles tendonitis). These areas are particularly prone to inflammation and overuse injuries.