Tendonitis

Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is inflammation of a tendon — the thick cord of tissue that attaches muscle to bone. It can occur in almost any tendon in the body but is most common at the shoulder (rotator cuff), elbow (tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow), wrist, knee (patellar tendonitis), and ankle (Achilles tendonitis). While often caused by repetitive overuse, tendonitis can become a chronic, debilitating condition if not properly managed. Orthotic support reduces tendon loading and allows for effective healing.

Common Causes of Tendonitis

• Repetitive overhead activities (rotator cuff, bicep tendonitis)
• Racket sports and gripping activities (lateral epicondylitis/tennis elbow)
• Running on hard surfaces (Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis)
• Sudden increases in training load or intensity
• Poor biomechanics or muscle imbalances
• Age-related degeneration in tendons (tendinosis)
• Inflammatory conditions: gout, rheumatoid arthritis

Common Symptoms:

• Localized pain and tenderness directly over the affected tendon
• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
• Morning stiffness near the involved joint
• Mild swelling, warmth, or thickening of the tendon
• Weakness and reduced grip or movement strength
• Crepitus (grating sensation) with tendon movement in chronic cases

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How Is Tendonitis Treated?

• Activity modification and relative rest from aggravating movements
• Eccentric strengthening exercises (particularly for Achilles and patellar tendons)
• Counterforce bracing and compression supports
• Ice therapy and NSAIDs for acute flare-ups
• Physical therapy addressing biomechanics and muscle balance
• Corticosteroid injections for short-term pain relief
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for chronic tendinopathy
• Shockwave therapy for calcific tendonitis

How Tendonitis Braces & Supports Help:

Counterforce braces (such as epicondylitis straps for tennis elbow) work by redistributing mechanical load away from the inflamed tendon insertion point, reducing pain during activity. Compression supports and tendon straps also improve proprioception and reduce the peak forces transmitted through the tendon with everyday movements. RCAI’s line of tendonitis supports covers the elbow, wrist, and knee, offering targeted relief that allows patients to remain active during recovery.

All products are available with a physician’s prescription. Contact your healthcare provider or orthotist to determine the right brace for your condition.