Musculoskeletal
Tendinitis
About Tendinitis
Tendinitis, also spelled tendonitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are thick fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone, and this irritation typically causes pain and tenderness near a joint.
Common Symptoms
- Pain that worsens with movement of the affected limb or joint
- Tenderness when the affected area is touched
- Mild swelling or a palpable lump around the affected tendon
- A grating or crackling sensation when moving the joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tendinitis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional, who will assess for pain, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may sometimes be used to rule out other conditions or to visualize the extent of tendon damage.
Causes
Tendinitis is most commonly caused by repetitive stress or overuse of a particular tendon, often in occupations or hobbies involving repetitive movements. It can also result from a sudden injury, improper posture, or certain systemic diseases like arthritis.
Treatment Overview
Treatment approaches for tendinitis often focus on reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting healing. Conventional methods may include rest, ice application, pain relievers, and physical therapy, while some individuals explore complementary approaches like acupuncture or massage. The goal is to allow the tendon to recover and to prevent future recurrence.
Prognosis & Outlook
The prognosis for tendinitis is generally good, with most people experiencing relief from symptoms and recovery over several weeks or months with proper care. However, without adequate rest and rehabilitation, tendinitis may become chronic or recur.
Types & Variants
Achilles Tendinitis
Affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Causes pain and inflammation in the shoulder tendons, also known as swimmer's or pitcher's shoulder.
Patellar Tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, often called 'jumper's knee'.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, often from repetitive wrist and arm motions.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
A painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
What 1 Contributor Has Shared
One contributor described struggling with musculoskeletal pain, including hip, back, pelvic, and shoulder pain, along with a variety of other symptoms like tinnitus, dry eye, anxiety, and heart palpitations. They initially received diagnoses such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs from Western medicine, but later concluded these structural findings were incidental.
This contributor found relief by discovering work on neuroplastic pain, engaging in pain neuroscience education, journaling, and practicing pain reprocessing therapy and somatic tracking. They focused on addressing beliefs and doubts, learning to feel safe with sensations, and regulating their nervous system.
“Approaches that were part of my recovery”
As described by story contributors
Learning about neuroplastic pain (Dr. Sarno, Dr. Schubiner, Dr. Hanscom, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Stracks, Dr. Schechter)
Pain neuroscience education
Journaling (Nicole Sachs)
Pain reprocessing therapy (Alan Gordon)
Somatic tracking (Alan Gordon)
Addressing belief and doubt
Learning to feel safe with sensations, thoughts, and emotions
Graded exposure to teach the brain pain is not dangerous
Visualization
Graded motor imagery
Leaning into positive sensations
Regulating the nervous system
“Approaches I tried that didn't help me”
As described by story contributors
Supplements
Changing diet (anti-inflammatory or keto)
Japanese healer
Castor oil
Icing and heat
Physical Therapy (PT)
Chiropractic care
Osteopathic treatment
Massage
Acupuncture
Sports medicine doctor with rehabilitation classes
Correcting posture
Common Turning Points
Pivotal moments described by story contributors
Discovering the work of Dr. Sarno, Dr. Schubiner, Dr. Hanscom, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Stracks, and Dr. Schechter
Key Realizations & “Aha” Moments
Perspectives shared by story contributors
Structural findings (arthritis, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, etc.) were incidental and not the cause of symptoms
Self-diagnosis of Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) / Neuroplastic symptoms after ruling out pathological findings
Most chronic pain is neuroplastic in nature, meaning it is not caused by body structures even though it is physically felt
The brain and nervous system can cause debilitating symptoms without tissue damage or disease
Neuroplastic pain is created and maintained by changes in the brain's neural circuits, not physical injury
The brain can "learn" pain through repeated stress or emotional suppression, creating maladaptive neural pathways
Misfiring pain circuits, shaped by emotional states and life stress, cause the brain to perceive pain even without physical cause
Mindbody symptoms often result from stress, nervous system dysregulation, suppressed emotions, learned neural pathways, and an overactive fear response
Advice from Those Who've Been There
Suggestions shared by story contributors
- “Understand that most chronic pain is neuroplastic and does not indicate structural damage”
- “Recognize that the brain and nervous system can cause real, debilitating symptoms without tissue damage”
- “Learn about neuroplastic pain, its origins in the nervous system, and the role of emotional regulation”
- “Be aware that the brain can "learn" pain through stress or emotional suppression, creating false alarms”
- “Consider that mindbody symptoms can result from stress, nervous system dysregulation, unprocessed emotions, and an overactive fear response”
These insights reflect what individual contributors reported about their own experiences. Results vary — what helps one person may not help another. This is not medical advice.
Stories (1)
Real journeys shared by contributors
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