Tendonitis and Tennis Elbow
Tendonitis is irritation and swelling of a tendon, the tough cord that connects muscle to bone. It causes pain and tenderness near a joint that gets worse with use. Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendonitis are common types.
What Is It
Tendonitis usually comes from repeating the same motion over and over, at work, in sports, or at home. Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow and is common with gripping and lifting. It can also affect the shoulder, wrist, knee, and heel. Risk rises with age.
Symptoms
- Pain near a joint that is worse with movement
- Tenderness when pressing on the area
- Mild swelling
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Weak grip with elbow tendonitis
- Pain at the back of the heel with Achilles tendonitis
Not sure it’s tendonitis? Sudden pain after a fall or twist may be a sprain or strain. Shoulder pain with weakness may be covered under shoulder pain.
Treatment
At your visit: A provider examines the area, and an X-ray may help rule out other causes. Treatment includes rest, a brace or strap, stretches, and pain relief. Tendonitis that does not improve may need physical therapy or orthopedics.
At home:
- Rest from the activity that causes pain
- Ice for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day
- Use a brace or counterforce strap for tennis elbow
- Use over the counter anti inflammatory medicine as directed
Most tendonitis improves within a few weeks with rest and care.
When to Get Care for Tendonitis
Most tendonitis cases can be cared for at home. If you are not sure what it is, or it is not getting better, Vitality Urgent Care is here to answer your questions and advise the right treatment. No appointment is needed.
FAQ
What does tendonitis feel like?
Tendonitis feels like a dull ache near a joint that gets worse with movement, along with tenderness and sometimes mild swelling.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is tendonitis on the outside of the elbow, caused by repeated gripping and lifting. Most people who get it do not play tennis.
How long does tendonitis take to heal?
Tendonitis usually improves within 2 to 6 weeks with rest. Long standing tendonitis can take a few months.
Should I use heat or ice for tendonitis?
Use ice for new or flaring tendonitis pain. Heat can help with stiffness before stretching. Use either one for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Can urgent care treat tendonitis?
Yes, urgent care can treat tendonitis. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the joint, and X-ray is available on site. No appointment or referral is needed.
Can tendonitis become serious?
Tendonitis that is ignored can become long lasting or lead to a tendon tear. A sudden pop with weakness should be checked right away.
Last reviewed October 2026
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