Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms & First Aid Awareness (Canada)

Tendinitis refers to irritation or inflammation of a tendon — the strong cord that connects muscle to bone. When tendons become irritated, movement of the nearby joint can become uncomfortable and temporarily restricted.

Relevance at home, work & sport

Tendinitis can appear in:

Trades and manual labour (repetitive lifting or gripping)
Office environments (keyboard or mouse use)
Sports involving swinging, throwing, or jumping
Daily activities involving repetitive movements

The shoulder, elbow, wrist, and heel are among the most commonly affected areas.

Scenario

During landscaping season, a homeowner spent several days trimming hedges using manual clippers. By the weekend, their wrist felt sore and tender when gripping tools. A supervisor at work suggested reducing repetitive tasks and booking a physiotherapy appointment if symptoms persisted.

Causes & contributing factors

Tendinitis is often associated with:

Repetitive motion over time
Overexertion during activities or sports
Poor technique or body mechanics
Gradual wear with age
Prior injuries affecting movement patterns
Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis)

Repetitive tool use, gripping, throwing, or jumping movements may increase strain on specific tendons.

Symptoms

Individuals may notice:

Localized pain near a joint
Tenderness when touching the affected area
Tightness or stiffness
Reduced mobility
Discomfort that increases with movement

Symptoms may appear gradually or after intense activity.

First aid & awareness

Public first aid for suspected tendinitis focuses on:

Avoiding aggravating movements
Monitoring symptoms over several days
Considering rest periods from repetitive tasks
Seeking assessment if symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities

Healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists can recommend strengthening, stretching, ergonomic adjustments, or protective equipment based on individual needs.

Workplace & activity considerations

Tendinitis is common in environments requiring:

Repetitive hand or wrist movements (e.g., trades, assembly, office work)
Overhead reaching (e.g., painters, warehouse staff)
Sports requiring swinging or throwing (e.g., tennis, baseball, golf)

Prevention strategies include:

Gradual workload increases
Strength and flexibility routines
Ergonomic tools or workstation adjustments
Technique or form coaching in sports

When to seek assessment

A health professional should evaluate symptoms if:

Discomfort persists beyond a reasonable recovery period
Pain limits function or sleep
Swelling or weakness increases
Symptoms recur frequently
A suspected tear or injury occurred

FAQ

Is tendinitis the same as a tendon tear?
No. Tendinitis involves irritation, while tears involve structural damage. Diagnosis is made by a health professional.

Can tendinitis become chronic?
Yes. Without adjustments to movement or workload, symptoms may return or persist.

Does age affect tendons?
Tendons may become less flexible with age, increasing susceptibility to irritation.

Is tendinitis only a sports injury?
No. Many cases are related to work tasks, hobbies, or lifestyle activities.

Educational note

This content supports public first aid awareness for tendinitis in homes, workplaces, and sports settings. Diagnosis, rehabilitation, and treatment plans are provided by qualified healthcare professionals.