Tendinitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Tendinitis is painful inflammation or breakdown of your tendons. It may also be called tendinopathy. Tendinitis often occurs in the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, or elbow.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have increased redness over the joint, or swelling in the joint.
• You suddenly cannot move your joint.

Call your doctor if:

• You have increased pain even after you take medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• meloxicam
• Aleve
• Naprosyn
• Naprelan
• Myoflex

View more treatment options

Medicines:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage tendinitis:

• Rest your tendon as directed to help it heal. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop putting weight on your affected area.
• Apply ice to help decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you place it on the affected area. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every hour, or as directed.
• Use a support device , such as a cane, splint, shoe insert, or brace. A support device may help reduce your pain.
• Go to physical therapy if directed. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. You may also learn how to improve your posture, and how to lift or exercise correctly.

Prevent tendinitis:

• Warm up and cool down when you exercise. Run in place slowly or walk at a brisk pace to warm your muscles before you exercise. When you finish exercising, walk for a few minutes to cool down.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles around your joint. Ease into an exercise routine for the first 3 weeks to prevent another injury. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you. Rest fully between activities.
• Use the right equipment for sports and exercise. Wear braces or tape around weak joints as directed.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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