Tendonitus

A tendon is the end part of a muscle that attaches the muscle to the bone. The normally very elastic and soft muscle tapers off at the end to form the much denser and stiff tendon. While this density makes the tendons stronger, the lack of elasticity of the tendon and the constant pulling on its attachment to the bone with movement, makes it much more susceptible to a low level of tearing at a microscopic level. This tearing will produce the inflammation and irritation known as tendonitis.

Tendonitis is usually seen after excessive repetitive movement with which the tendon gradually becomes tighter until the fibers start to tear. For this reason, tendonitis is a common workplace injury; especially for workers with repetitive motion in their daily job duties. Workers with tasks such as constant lifting, pushing, pulling, squatting, etc. may overuse their muscles, which would lead to the development of tendonitis. The most common tendon areas that become inflamed are the elbow, wrist, biceps, shoulder leg, knee, ankle, hip, and Achilles.