Tendonitis is the term used to describe inflammation of a tendon, the structure in the body that connects the muscles to bones. The purpose of the tendon is to transmit the force necessary for muscles to contract and move the skeletal structure of the body. When tendonitis occurs, the tendon becomes inflamed and the action of pulling the muscles is impaired. This causes pain and restricts movement.
Tendonitis has a number of incarnations; these are generally referred to by the affected body part. For example, patellar tendonitis concerns the patellar tendon (and is also known as jumper’s knee) while Achilles tendonitis affects the Achilles tendon.
This condition is usually an injury of overuse. Any repetitive motion, including those related to work or sports, can cause tendonitis. In some cases, tendonitis occurs after beginning a new activity or exercise that irritates the tendon. Older people are more susceptible to tendonitis because the tendons lose elasticity over time.
