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Tendinitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
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Definition:

Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.

Alternative Names:

Calcific tendinitis; Bicipital tendinitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. It can also be seen in systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Tendinitis can occur in any tendon, but some commonly affected sites are the shoulder, the wrist, the heel ( Achilles tendonitis ), and the elbow.

• Review Date: 9/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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