Why it may help Tendinitis: Eases localized tendon pain
Tendinitis
Get updatesOverview
Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone, often causing pain and tenderness near a joint.
When to seek urgent medical care
- Sudden, severe pain
- Inability to move a joint
- Deformity of the joint
- Fever or chills with joint pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain that does not improve with rest
- Signs of infection (e.g., spreading redness, pus)
Common symptoms
- Pain near a joint
- Tenderness to touch
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Warmth or redness
Possible contributors
- Repetitive movements
- Overuse
- Sudden injury
- Improper technique
- Poor posture
- Age-related changes
- Certain medical conditions
- Lack of conditioning
Labs to discuss with your clinician
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Vitamin D levels
- Blood glucose (HbA1c)
- Thyroid function tests
All Remedies
Ranked by community outcomes, then evidence grade, Health Voice mentions, and recency.
Remedies
Why it may help Tendinitis: Co-factor for collagen synthesis
- Typical dose
- 500-1000 mg daily
- Mechanism
- Essential for collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant, supporting tissue repair.
- Notes
- Best taken with collagen for synergistic effects.
- Evidence
- limited
A pungent root that has been studied for nausea and digestive comfort.
Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple, often used as a dietary supplement for its potential anti-inflammatory and tissue-healing properties.
Why it may help Tendinitis: Topical Arnica may reduce inflammation and pain in tendinitis by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating immune responses in the affected tissues.
Why it may help Tendinitis: Devil's Claw contains iridoid glycosides, such as harpagoside, which have been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways, potentially reducing pain and inflammation in tendinitis.
Why it may help Tendinitis: White Willow Bark contains salicin, which is metabolized into salicylic acid, a compound that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing inflammation and pain associated with tendinitis.
Emerging Research
Why it may help Tendinitis: Speeds soft tissue recovery
Why it may help Tendinitis: Relaxes surrounding muscles
- Typical dose
- 200-400 mg daily
- Mechanism
- Involved in muscle relaxation and nerve function, which may help reduce muscle tension contributing to tendon stress.
- Notes
- Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Malate are often well-tolerated.
- Evidence
- limited
Why it may help Tendinitis: Curcumin reduces tendon inflammation
- Typical dose
- 500-1000 mg curcuminoids daily
- Mechanism
- Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate pain and swelling.
- Notes
- Often enhanced with piperine for better absorption.
- Evidence
- moderate
Why it may help Tendinitis: Reduces tendon swelling and stiffness
Magnesium bound to malic acid for energy and fibromyalgia pain.
- Typical dose
- 200-400 mg daily
- Mechanism
- Involved in muscle relaxation and nerve function, which may help reduce muscle tension contributing to tendon stress.
- Notes
- Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Malate are often well-tolerated.
- Evidence
- limited
Why it may help Tendinitis: Quercetin, a flavonoid, may reduce inflammation in tendinitis by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and modulating immune cell activity in the affected tendons.
Algal oil is a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that supports brain, eye, and heart health, offering a sustainable alternative to fish oil.
Community outcomes
What people report for Tendinitis
Self-reported by community members · not medical advice.
What people report for this condition
Self-reported community outcomes. Not medical advice. Requires at least three reports per remedy to surface.
Community outcome data is still being collected for this ailment.
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Community discussion
Structured experience reports from people managing this condition. Not medical advice.
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Community Discussions
What people say about Tendinitis
Lifestyle foundations
- Rest and activity modification
- Proper warm-up and cool-down
- Ergonomic adjustments
- Stress management
- Adequate hydration
- Balanced nutrition
- Regular, appropriate exercise
- Quality sleep
Dietary recommendations
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Increase omega-3 rich foods
- Adequate protein intake
- Include vitamin C rich foods
- Hydration with water
- Limit refined sugars
- Reduce processed foods
- Include antioxidant-rich foods
Lifestyle interventions
- Rest affected area (activity modification)
- Ice application (15-20 min, several times/day)
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises (as tolerated)
- Ergonomic adjustments at work/home
- Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing)
- 7-9 hours quality sleep nightly
- Proper warm-up before exercise
- Gradual increase in activity levels
Evidence at a glance
Moderate Evidence
Traditional Use
International evidence & guidelines
How global health authorities view Tendinitis.
Major health organizations like the Mayo Clinic and NHS emphasize rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for initial tendinitis management, along with physical therapy. While they acknowledge the role of anti-inflammatory medications, they generally advise caution regarding herbal or supplemental approaches due to limited robust clinical trial data. Some organizations, like NCCIH, note traditional uses of certain botanicals for pain and inflammation but stress the need for more research.
Evidence ecosystem
Indexed studies for Tendinitis, grouped by source type and quality.
Filter by source type
Meta-Analyses(4)
Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.
Fluoroquinolones and the risk of tendon injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Alves C, Mendes D, Marques FB · European journal of clinical pharmacology · 2019
Tendinopathy is a known adverse reaction associated to fluoroquinolones, but a meta-analysis was not yet published. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the scientific evidence evaluating the risk of tendon injury associated with fluoroquinolones. A literature search was conducted to identify observational studies which reported results on the risk of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), risk of Achilles tendinitis (AT), or risk of any tendon disorders (ATD). A meta-analysis was performed by pooling odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Treatment with fluoroquinolones was associated with an increased risk of ATR (OR 2.52 (95% CI 1.81-3.52), p < 0.001, I2 = 76.7%), an increased risk of AT (OR 3.95 (95% CI 3.11-5.01), p < 0.001, I2 = 0%), and increased risk of ATD (OR 1.98 (95% CI 1.62-2.43), p < 0
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High QualityRisk factors for rotator cuff tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Leong HT, Fu SC, He X, Oh JH, Yamamoto N, Hang S · Journal of rehabilitation medicine · 2019
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify risk and associated factors for symptomatic rotator cuff tendinopathy. PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus were searched from inception to June 2017. Participants presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of rotator cuff tendinopathy/tendinosis/tendinitis, shoulder impingement syndrome, or subacromial bursitis diagnosed by clinical tests and/or conventional imaging. Screening, quality assessment and data extraction were carried out by 2 reviewers. Sixteen studies were included in this review. Overall, 22 factors were identified and 5 factors were explored using meta-analysis. Pooled analyses provided strong evidence that age above 50 years (odds ratio (OR)?=?3.31, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)?=?2.304.76, I2?=?0%, p<0.001) and diabetes (OR?=?2.24, 95% CI?=?1.373.65, I2?=?0%, p?=?0.001) were associated with increased risk of rotator cuff tendinopathy. In addition, moderate evidence showed that work with the shoulder above 9
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High QualityElectrotherapy modalities for rotator cuff disease.
Page MJ, Green S, Mrocki MA, Surace SJ, Deitch J, McBain B · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2016 · n=43
Management of rotator cuff disease may include use of electrotherapy modalities (also known as electrophysical agents), which aim to reduce pain and improve function via an increase in energy (electrical, sound, light, or thermal) into the body. Examples include therapeutic ultrasound, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). These modalities are usually delivered as components of a physical therapy intervention. This review is one of a series of reviews that form an update of the Cochrane review, 'Physiotherapy interventions for shoulder pain'. To synthesise available evidence regarding the benefits and harms of electrotherapy modalities for the treatment of people with rotator cuff disease. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE (January 1966 to March 2015), Ovid EMBASE (January 1980 to March 2015), CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost, Januar
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Systematic Reviews(2)
Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).
A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: focusing on the evidence.
Speed C · British journal of sports medicine · 2014
'Shock wave' therapies are now extensively used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. This systematic review summarises the evidence base for the use of these modalities. A thorough search of the literature was performed to identify studies of adequate quality to assess the evidence base for shockwave therapies on pain in specific soft tissue injuries. Both focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (F-ESWT) and radial pulse therapy (RPT) were examined. 23 appropriate studies were identified. There is evidence for the benefit of F-ESWT and of RPT in a number of soft tissue musculoskeletal conditions, and evidence that both treatment modalities are safe. There is evidence that F-ESWT is effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis, and that RPT is effective in plantar fasciitis. Where benefit is seen in F-ESWT, it appears to be dose dependent, with greater success seen with higher dose regimes. There is low level evidence for lack of benefit of low-dose F
Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High QualityA systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury.
Mostafavifar M, Wertz J, Borchers J · The Physician and sportsmedicine · 2012
Kinesio taping (KT) is used to prevent and treat musculoskeletal injuries. This systematic review examines the evidence for the effectiveness of KT in improving patient outcomes following musculoskeletal injury. A literature search (October 2011) was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, SportsDiscus, and Cochrane databases. The literature search employed the keywords "kinesio tap*" or "kinesiotap*" or "athletic tap*" and "performance" or "function" or "strength" or "activity" or "pain" or "muscle" and "athlet*" or "sport*." These searches yielded a total of 727 articles, which were reviewed thoroughly to identify suitable articles. Six studies met our criteria and were included in this systematic review. Two of these studies examined musculoskeletal injuries in the lower extremity and reported that the use of KT did not affect outcome measures. Two studies examined musculoskeletal injuries involving the spine. Treatment with KT significantly improved pain levels and range of motio
Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
Clinical Guidelines(9)
Recommendations from medical societies (NICE, AHA, ADA, ACG, Endocrine Society…).
Lambers Heerspink FO, Veen EJD, Dorrestijn O, Visser CPJ, Leijs MJC, Van Poppel D · Acta orthopaedica · 2026
In 2013, the first clinical practice guideline for subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) was developed in the Netherlands to support healthcare professionals. SAPS refers to non-traumatic, non-rheumatologic shoulder complaints that are particularly painful during arm elevation. It includes conditions such as supraspinatus tendinosis, calcific tendinitis, and degenerative supraspinatus tears. Over 50,000 patients annually consult orthopedic surgeons for these issues. In response to new evidence and clinical needs, an updated guideline was developed. Part 1 addresses prevention, diagnosis, imaging, and non-surgical treatment. Using a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach, the guideline aims to answer key clinical questions around SAPS. Initiated by the Dutch Orthopedic Society, the guideline committee identified knowledge gaps through group sessions. Each module was based on a PICO-formatted key question and reviewed by professionals from different fields. The AGREE and GRADE methods we
Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High QualityLambers Heerspink FO, Veen EJD, Dorrestijn O, Visser CPJ, Leijs MJC, Van Poppel D · Acta orthopaedica · 2026
In 2013, the first clinical practice guideline for subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) was developed in the Netherlands to support healthcare professionals. SAPS refers to non-traumatic, non-rheumatologic shoulder complaints that are particularly painful during arm elevation. It includes conditions such as supraspinatus tendinosis, calcific tendinitis, and degenerative supraspinatus tears. Over 50,000 patients annually consult orthopedic surgeons for these issues. In response to new evidence and clinical needs, an updated guideline was developed. Part 2 focuses on supraspinatus tears, biceps tendon pathology, and calcific tendinosis. Using a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach, the guideline aims to answer key clinical questions around SAPS. Initiated by the Dutch Orthopedic Society, the guideline committee identified knowledge gaps through group sessions. Each module was based on a PICO-formatted key question and reviewed by professionals from different fields. The AGREE and GRAD
Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High QualityThe Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy · 2025
Midportion tendinopathy is a common overuse lower extremity injury, with a prevalence of 4% to 7%. Achilles tendinopathy especially affects people who participate in activities that load the Achilles tendon, such as running. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire has been the go-to patient-reported outcome measure of the perceived impact of Achilles tendinopathy. Recently, new instruments have been developed to try and overcome concerns about the validity of the VISA-A. The revised CPG summarized current evidence, and updated recommendations to support evidence-based practice, including tailored clinical decision-making, about managing Achilles tendinopathy. The CPG excluded interventions that were outside the typical scope of physical therapy practice (eg, pharmacological interventions and surgery) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2025;55(1):68-69. doi:10.2519/jospt.2025.0501.
Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality
Observational Studies(24)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Sperr A, Erber B, Horng A, Glaser C · Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany) · 2024
Calcific tendinitis (TC) is a common-usually self-limiting-musculoskeletal disease, histopathologically characterized by both deposition and subsequent inflammatory breakdown of calcium crystals in tendons. The disease can cause acute, sometimes excruciating pain and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. Furthermore, 10-30% of patients have a complicated course of the disease. Imaging-based assessment by X‑ray and ultrasound is required to establish the initial diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as for follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, to a lesser degree, computed tomography (CT) complete the imaging work-up for establishing differential diagnoses and detecting complications. The combined evaluation of clinical symptoms and imaging findings is crucial to assess prognosis, plan therapy and detect potential complications. This article provides an overview of imaging-based morphology as related to the different stages of TC, relevant
Observational StudyPubMedLow QualityRahman E, Rao P, Abu-Farsakh HN, Thonse C, Ali I, Upton AE · Journal of clinical medicine · 2024 · n=5726
Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in various medical and surgical specialties for its regenerative properties, including aesthetics (facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, and skin tightening) and orthopedics (treatment of tendinitis and osteoarthritis). However, the inconsistent literature on PRP's efficacy and safety leads to critical knowledge gaps. This systematic review evaluates quality control measures in PRP preparation and application and explores the regulatory environment governing its clinical use. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, for studies published from January 2020 to April 2024. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving human participants undergoing PRP treatment for aesthetic or regenerative purposes. Key parameters such as the PRP preparation methods, platelet concentration, and quality control measures were a
Observational StudyPubMedLow QualityAfshar A, Tabrizi A, Shariyate MJ · The Journal of hand surgery · 2024
The trapezium tunnel is situated on the lateral side of the carpal tunnel, lined with synovial tissue, and accommodates the flexor carpi radialis tendon. Trapezium tunnel syndrome is characterized by flexor carpi radialis tendinitis/peritendinitis and may lead to complicated clinical scenarios, such as flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture and the formation of primary or recurrent ganglion cysts on the volar radial side of the wrist and thenar area. Notably, the simultaneous presence of trapezium tunnel syndrome might contribute to unsuccessful outcomes in carpal tunnel surgeries. Trapezium tunnel syndrome may arise from either intrinsic or extrinsic factors. The entity of trapezium tunnel syndrome has attracted a low index of clinical suspicion because the other causes of radial side wrist pain that are more prevalent and frequent. We present a narrative review of this condition in an endeavor to heighten awareness and clinical suspicion of trapezium tunnel syndrome.
Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(87)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
n=116 · NCT05478902 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN
The aim of this study will be to compare the effectiveness of an exercise therapy program with extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation and a wait and see approach in people with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Qualityn=132 · NCT06376981 · RECRUITING · RECRUITING
Multicentric, randomised study to compare the effectiveness on activity pain at 3 months of corticosteroid injection associated with hyaluronic acid with corticosteroids injection alone in patients with tendinopathy of the supraspinatus with clinical reevaluation at one, three and six months.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate QualityPecs II Block Versus Surgeon Infiltration for Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis
n=160 · NCT04867369 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
A phase IV, randomized, single-blind, single-center study measuring the effects of Pecs II block with 0.25% bupivacaine versus surgeon infiltration with 0.25% bupivacaine on postoperative pain control and opioid utilization in participants who undergo open subpectoral tenodesis.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Evidence Summaries(2)
Curated cross-source summaries (TRIP Database and similar).
TRIP Database
TRIP Database is a clinical search engine that allows users to find high-quality research evidence on tendinopathy. It aggregates evidence from various sources to support clinical decision-making.
Evidence SummaryTRIP DatabaseHigh QualityTRIP Database
TRIP Database is a clinical search engine designed to allow users to quickly and easily find high-quality research evidence to support their clinical practice. It aggregates evidence related to tendinitis from various sources.
Evidence SummaryTRIP DatabaseHigh Quality
Working alongside conventional care
Conventional care for tendinitis typically involves rest, ice, pain relievers (NSAIDs), physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and in some cases, surgery. A healthcare provider can assess the severity and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
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This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of tendinitis, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
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