Tendinitis

If you’ve noticed pain that worsens with movement or tenderness around one of your joints, you may be dealing with tendinitis. Board-certified physician Mahmud Ibrahim, MD, treats this common musculoskeletal condition at Ascension Spine Pain and Sports Medicine in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and offers personalized nonsurgical treatments when tendons become irritated or inflamed. Manage tendonitis more effectively by calling Ascension Spine, Pain, and Sports Medicine or booking an appointment online today.

What is tendinitis, and what causes it?

Tendinitis develops when one of your tendons becomes irritated. This is usually due to overuse, repetitive motion, sudden increases in physical activity, or an acute injury. 

It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, Achilles tendon, and hip. Although inflammation often plays a role early on, many persistent tendon problems also involve small degenerative changes within the tendon tissue. 

You’re at higher risk if you participate in repetitive sports (like running, golf, or tennis), but it’s also common among people whose jobs require frequent lifting, typing, kneeling, or repetitive hand and arm movements. 

It can also stem from:

• Age-related changes
• Poor posture
• Improper exercise techniques
• Muscle imbalances

Because tendinitis can worsen if left untreated, talk to Dr. Ibrahim when your symptoms first appear to prevent more significant damage and speed recovery.

How can I tell if I may have tendinitis?

The most common symptom of tendinitis is pain near a joint that worsens with activity. You may also notice tenderness, stiffness after periods of rest, and discomfort that improves temporarily with gentle movement before returning during more strenuous activity.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Mild swelling
• Warmth around the injured area
• Weakness
• Reduced flexibility
• Cracking sensation
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks

If your pain persists for several days, interferes with your work or exercise, or continues despite rest and home care, it’s time to seek a professional evaluation with Dr. Ibrahim.

How is tendinitis treated?

Dr. Ibrahim begins with a thorough evaluation, discussing your medical history, symptoms, and personal goals, then develops a personalized treatment plan. Most cases of tendinitis respond well to conservative care, including:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Manual therapy
• Pain management strategies to reduce discomfort and restore function

For persistent symptoms, he may recommend image-guided injections to help reduce inflammation or regenerative medicine therapies to support your body’s natural healing processes.

Expert care can relieve pain, restore your strength and flexibility, and help you safely return to work, sports, and the active lifestyle you enjoy. If tendinitis is slowing you down, call Ascension Spine, Pain, and Sports Medicine or book a consultation online today.