Tendonitis can sneak up on anyone, whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone who spends long hours typing away at a desk. This painful condition happens when tendons, the thick cords that attach muscle to bone, become irritated or inflamed. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, our experienced team is here to help you get back to what you love with personalized, expert care.
Diagnosing Tendonitis
The first step in treating tendonitis is getting an accurate diagnosis. Our orthopedic specialists begin with a thorough physical exam and take time to understand your symptoms and lifestyle. We may also use advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Common signs of tendonitis include:
- Pain or tenderness near a joint
- Swelling or warmth around the affected tendon
- Stiffness that gets worse with movement
- A grating or crackling feeling during motion
The sooner you seek care, the easier it is to treat tendonitis and prevent long-term damage.
Tendonitis Care in Charlottesville
At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we take a comprehensive, patient-first approach to tendonitis care. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our goal is to reduce your pain, restore function, and keep you moving forward. We offer conservative treatments, like physical therapy and medication, as well as more advanced options when needed.
We treat all major types of tendonitis, including:
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis affects the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel. It’s common in runners and athletes who engage in high-impact activities. Symptoms usually include heel pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after exercise.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
This condition occurs in the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone. It often affects athletes who jump frequently, such as basketball and volleyball players. Pain typically centers just below the kneecap.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis involves inflammation in the tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. It’s a frequent issue in people who perform overhead motions, like swimmers, painters, or tennis players. It can cause shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting your arm.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow. This form of tendonitis affects the outside of the elbow and is often linked to repetitive wrist or arm motions. It causes pain that may radiate down the forearm.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It’s caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and is often seen in golfers, weightlifters, and workers who use tools regularly.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
This type of tendonitis affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It causes pain when you turn your wrist, grasp objects, or make a fist. It’s common in new parents and people who perform repetitive hand movements.
Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis occurs when the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder becomes inflamed. It often causes pain in the front of the shoulder and may worsen with overhead movements or lifting.
Request an Appointment Today
At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we’re committed to helping you find relief from tendonitis and return to your normal activities safely and confidently. If you’re experiencing ongoing tendon pain, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with our Charlottesville, VA team today.
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Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
This place is amazing! The entire staff was super friendly from the moment I walked in the door. Thank you!
I want to share that my experience at this clinic was 10/10. I was supremely impressed by the friendliness of the front office staff, the x-ray technician, and the Physician Assistant, Natalie. I am so grateful I was referred here by Dr. Sam Spillman. Special thanks to Natalie for taking my appointment last minute, and providing exceptional care for my injured knee.
We chose Charlottesville Orthopedic for my husband who was having knee issues, they are so advanced in options and explain all options!! Professional Staff !!
