Tendon Problems: Common Questions
Pain and dysfunction in a tendon, commonly the Achilles, rotator cuff or elbow tendons.
Last revised
Tendon Problems: the questions people actually ask, answered from published guidance.
Key takeaways
- Main treatment: progressive loading exercise, often with a physical therapist
- Timescale: months rather than weeks
- Most useful single change: Load the tendon progressively under guidance rather than resting it.
- Commonest mistake: Complete rest, which weakens the tendon.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
What is Tendon Problems?
Pain and dysfunction in a tendon, commonly the Achilles, rotator cuff or elbow tendons.
Why does it matter?
Tendons respond to gradual, progressive loading rather than rest, which is the opposite of what most people do.
Main treatment for Tendon Problems?
Progressive loading exercise, often with a physical therapist.
Rest alone for Tendon Problems?
Weakens the tendon further.
Steroid injections for Tendon Problems?
Short-term relief; may not help, or may harm, in the long run for some tendons.
Common contributor for Tendon Problems?
A sudden increase in training load.
What is the single most useful thing to do?
Load the tendon progressively under guidance rather than resting it.
What is the most common mistake?
Complete rest, which weakens the tendon.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek prompt care at urgent care or the emergency room for a sudden sharp pain with a pop or snap, an inability to push off or raise the arm, or a visible gap in the tendon — these suggest a rupture. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin carry an FDA warning for tendon rupture: contact your doctor right away about new tendon pain while taking them. Call 911 for a serious injury with severe pain, deformity or inability to move the limb.
Related topics
- Plantar Heel Pain: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise (Foot Health)
- Running for Beginners: What Published Guidance Supports (Fitness)
- What the Guidance Really Says About Returning to Activity After Illness (Rehabilitation)
- Neck Pain: What the Evidence Actually Says (Back and Posture)
Where to go next
- Tendon Problems: Separating Myth From Guidance
- The First Steps With Tendon Problems
- Tendon Problems — the reference entry
- Bone and Joint: The Complete Guide
- What the Guidance Really Says About Vitamin D and Bone
- Sports Injuries: What Published Guidance Supports
When to get help
Seek prompt care at urgent care or the emergency room for a sudden sharp pain with a pop or snap, an inability to push off or raise the arm, or a visible gap in the tendon — these suggest a rupture. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin carry an FDA warning for tendon rupture: contact your doctor right away about new tendon pain while taking them. Call 911 for a serious injury with severe pain, deformity or inability to move the limb.
Where this comes from
- FDA — FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA updates warnings for oral and injectable fluoroquinolone antibiotics due to disabling side effects
- MedlinePlus — Tendinitis
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
