What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of a tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. It often develops when repeated activity places more stress on a tendon than the body can comfortably handle. The condition may cause localized pain, tenderness, stiffness, or discomfort during movement near the affected joint.
Quick Facts About Tendonitis
Category
Tendon condition
Used for
Describing tendon irritation
Common confusion
Muscle strain
Also called
Tendinitis
Often discussed with
Sports Injury Treatment, Therapeutic Ultrasound
Key Takeaways About Tendonitis
- Tendonitis affects connective tissue between muscle and bone.
- Repeated loading may increase tendon irritation.
- Tendonitis is not the same as a muscle strain.
How Tendonitis Works

Tendonitis describes a tendon response to repeated stress, force, or friction. A tendon transfers force from a muscle to a bone, so irritation can affect how a nearby joint moves. Symptoms often appear near the involved tendon and may change with activity or rest.
Related glossary terms: Muscle Strain, Ligament Sprain, Joint Stiffness.
Evaluation considers the location of discomfort, the activity that increases symptoms, and the joint's movement. A clinician may compare strength, flexibility, and tenderness on both sides of the body. Range Of Motion findings can help show how tendon symptoms affect movement, while a muscle strain involves injured muscle fibers. Sports injury treatment may address movement patterns and surrounding tissue stress as part of care.

From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta team
When we assess tendonitis during Sports Injury Treatment, we ask how the symptoms began and which movements increase them. We also check nearby joint motion, muscle balance, and tenderness. That practical information helps us distinguish tendon symptoms from related problems, such as a muscle strain or joint stiffness.
Tendonitis in Practice: A Real-World Example
A recreational tennis player develops pain near the outside of the elbow after repeated backhand practice. During Sports Injury Treatment, the evaluation considers the tendon area, grip and swing mechanics, and nearby joint movement.
Related Services
Related Terms
Muscle Strain
A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or the tendon connecting it to bone…
Ligament Sprain
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament, the strong band of tissue that connects bones…
Joint Stiffness
Joint Stiffness is reduced ease of movement in a joint, often felt as tightness, resistance, or…
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the extent to which a joint can move through its available directions…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta
Have Questions About Tendonitis?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta for practical guidance on Tendonitis and related chiropractor work in Marietta.
