Tendon Pain

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow both involve irritation of the tendons around the elbow, usually caused by repetitive gripping, lifting or twisting. The pain often develops slowly and becomes noticeable when you pick up objects, turn a door handle, or use your hands for more extended periods. Many people feel a sharp or burning ache on either the outside or inside of the elbow.

These conditions are common in individuals who perform repetitive manual work, use tools, work at a computer for extended periods, or lift weights without proper technique. If the tendon doesn’t settle early, it can become sensitive and weak, making everyday activities harder. Treatment focuses on reducing irritation, improving grip strength, and correcting the movement patterns that overload the tendon.

Rotator cuff pain refers to irritation in one or more of the shoulder tendons. These tendons help stabilise the shoulder and guide smooth movement. When overloaded, they can become sore, tight and irritated, especially with overhead lifting, reaching behind the back, or lying on the affected shoulder.

People often notice weakness or sharp pain when lifting everyday items such as bags, groceries or washing baskets. Poor posture, muscle imbalance and repetitive overhead activity usually contribute to the issue. Treatment aims to restore mobility in the shoulder, strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, and improve the way the shoulder blade supports movement.

Achilles tendinopathy typically presents as stiffness or aching at the back of the heel, particularly during the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. The Achilles tendon bears a significant amount of load during walking and running, so even slight changes in activity or footwear can lead to irritation. Over time, the tendon may thicken, tighten or lose strength, making exercise uncomfortable.

Plantar fascia pain affects the band of tissue on the underside of the foot. It commonly causes a sharp, first-step pain in the morning or after a period of rest. This condition is often linked to changes in foot biomechanics, sudden increases in activity or jobs that require long hours standing. Treatment for both conditions focuses on load management, improving foot and ankle mechanics, and progressive strengthening to support healthy movement.

Patellar tendon pain is felt at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. It often affects people who engage in activities such as jumping, running, squatting, or climbing stairs, but it can also occur after prolonged periods of sitting or kneeling. The tendon becomes irritated when it’s asked to absorb more force than it can handle, particularly during repeated bending and straightening of the knee.

If not managed early, the tendon may become stiff and sensitive during daily tasks. Treatment includes improving hip and knee strength, correcting lower-limb alignment, and rebuilding the tendon’s capacity to handle load safely. This helps you move with less pain and return to activity with confidence.

Glute tendinitis and bursitis cause pain on the outside of the hip, often described as a deep, aching discomfort. This pain can worsen when walking uphill, climbing stairs, lying on the affected side or standing for long periods. The gluteal tendons work hard to stabilise the pelvis, so any imbalance, weakness or overload can quickly irritate the area.

Bursitis (irritation of the fluid-filled sacs over the hip) often develops alongside tendon pain. Both conditions respond well to targeted strengthening, hands-on treatment and improving the way your hips and pelvis manage load. Identifying contributing factors, such as foot posture, gait patterns, and muscular weakness, is key to long-term improvement.

Hamstring tendon pain typically appears around the sitting bone or the back of the thigh. It often develops in people who run, cycle or sit for long periods. The tendon becomes irritated when it’s repeatedly stretched or loaded without enough recovery. Many people feel a deep ache when bending forward, sitting on hard surfaces, or accelerating during sport.

If the tendon becomes chronically overloaded, it may start to feel tight, weak or sensitive. Treatment involves strengthening the hamstrings and glutes, improving pelvic control and releasing tight surrounding muscles. A structured loading plan helps the tendon tolerate everyday activities and return to sport safely.

De Quervain’s affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It causes sharp pain when gripping, lifting or twisting, especially motions like holding a baby, using tools, opening jars or typing. Swelling around the tendon sheath can make the area sensitive and restrict smooth tendon movement.

This condition often develops from repetitive hand use or poor wrist positioning. Treatment focuses on calming irritation, improving the strength and endurance of the thumb muscles, and correcting the movement patterns that overload the wrist. Hands-on therapy and load modification typically provide significant relief.

Calcific tendinosis occurs when calcium deposits form within a tendon, most commonly in the shoulder. These deposits can create sharp, intense pain or restrict movement, especially when lifting the arm. Some people also feel a constant dull ache or significant discomfort at night.

The condition often develops for reasons not fully understood, but poor load tolerance, reduced blood flow and tendon degeneration can contribute. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, restore mobility and improve tendon strength. Shockwave therapy is particularly effective in breaking down calcium deposits and promoting healing.