Tendinitis Treatment
Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the thick, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. When a tendon becomes inflamed, it causes pain, tenderness, and restricted movement around the affected joint. Tendinitis most commonly develops in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
At Eastside Family Health Center in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Frank Marinkovich provides expert diagnosis and individualized treatment for tendinitis — helping patients from Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Woodinville, and Bothell relieve pain, restore full function, and prevent recurrence.
Common Symptoms of Tendinitis
Symptoms usually occur at the point where a tendon attaches to a bone and typically include:
- Pain or aching at the affected joint, especially during movement
- Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
- Swelling or mild redness around the joint
- Stiffness that limits your range of motion
- A sensation of warmth over the inflamed tendon
Risk Factors for Tendinitis
- Age: Tendons become less flexible and more injury-prone with age.
- Repetitive Movements: Jobs or activities requiring repeated motions — typing, lifting, throwing — put sustained stress on tendons.
- Sports Activities: Athletes are at higher risk, particularly those in tennis, golf, baseball, basketball, and running.
- Improper Technique: Poor form during physical activity places uneven strain on tendons and accelerates irritation.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are both associated with an increased risk of tendinitis.
What Causes Tendinitis?
Tendinitis most often results from repetitive motion or overuse of a tendon over time. It can also develop suddenly from:
- Acute injury or trauma to the tendon
- Poor posture or body mechanics during exercise
- Skipping a proper warm-up before physical activity
- Wearing footwear that does not adequately support the foot during sport or exercise
Tendinitis Treatment at Eastside Family Health Center
Dr. Marinkovich takes a targeted, progressive approach to tendinitis treatment — starting with the least invasive options and advancing as needed:
- Rest & Activity Modification: Temporarily reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the tendon to allow inflammation to settle.
- Physical Therapy: Customized strengthening and flexibility exercises to support tendon healing and rebuild resilience.
- Medication Management: Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers to manage symptoms during recovery.
- Ultrasound-Guided Injection Therapy: Corticosteroid injections delivered with precision using ultrasound guidance for targeted pain relief and inflammation control.
- Supportive Bracing: Braces or straps to offload pressure from the affected tendon during daily activities and sport.
Schedule Your Tendinitis Evaluation in Kirkland, WA
Tendinitis that isn't treated properly can become a chronic, recurring problem. The sooner you address it, the faster and more completely you can recover. Call Eastside Family Health Center at 425-899-2525 or request your appointment online today.
