Overview
Tendon injuries include inflammation, irritation, small tears, and complete ruptures of a tendon. They may happen after a sudden movement, a fall, lifting, sports activity, or repeated motions over time. The severity can range from mild soreness to loss of function in the affected limb.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include pain during movement, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and weakness. Some people notice a popping or snapping feeling at the time of injury. A complete rupture may cause sudden sharp pain, visible change in shape, bruising, or major trouble using the arm or leg.
Causes and Risk Factors
Tendon injuries can be caused by overuse, sudden force, awkward movement, or direct trauma. Risk may be higher with repetitive work or sports, poor conditioning, increasing age, or returning to activity too quickly after a break. Some long-term health conditions and certain medicines can also affect tendon health.
Who Is Affected
Tendon injuries can affect people of any age. They are common in athletes, manual workers, and people whose jobs or daily activities involve repeated gripping, lifting, jumping, or overhead motion. Older adults may be more likely to have tendon degeneration and tears.
Prevention
Warm up before activity and increase training or workload gradually rather than suddenly. Use good technique, supportive footwear if needed, and allow time for rest and recovery between repeated activities. Strength and flexibility work may help lower strain on tendons.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional will usually ask about symptoms, how the injury happened, and what movements make it worse. They may examine the area for pain, swelling, range of motion, strength, and signs of rupture. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the tendon.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on which tendon is injured and how severe the damage is. It may include temporary activity changes, physical therapy, bracing or support, and other measures recommended by a clinician. Severe tears or ruptures may need specialist care, and some cases may require a procedure or surgery.
Living With It
Recovery time varies widely depending on the tendon involved and whether there is a partial or complete tear. Returning to sport, work, or exercise too soon can lead to ongoing pain or repeat injury. Follow-up care and rehabilitation are often important for regaining strength and movement.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if pain, swelling, weakness, or limited movement does not improve, or if the injury interferes with walking, lifting, work, or sleep. You should also get assessed if symptoms started after a sudden injury, if the area looks deformed, or if you heard or felt a pop.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help if you suddenly cannot bear weight, cannot move the limb, or think a tendon may have completely ruptured. Emergency care is also important after major trauma, severe swelling, numbness, pale or cold skin, or heavy bleeding from an associated wound.