Tendon Pain and Overuse Syndromes
Understanding tendon pain and why it happens
Tendons connect muscle to bone and help you move, lift, stabilise, and absorb load. When tendons face repeated strain, sudden increases in activity, or ongoing overload, they can become irritated and weakened. This is often called tendinopathy or overuse tendon injury, rather than simply “tendonitis,” because inflammation is only one part of the process. Symptoms may include pain with movement, stiffness after rest, weakness, and discomfort with activity.
Common areas affected
Overuse tendon problems commonly affect the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, Achilles tendon, and foot. Pain may appear with running, jumping, gripping, lifting, repetitive work, or sudden training changes. Sometimes pain builds slowly; sometimes it follows a single overload event.
What tendon pain often feels like
Tendon pain commonly:
worsens with activity that loads that tendon
may improve slightly as you “warm up,” then return later
feels stiff after rest or in the morning
is tender to touch
Ignoring symptoms and “pushing through pain” often makes recovery slower.
When tendon pain needs medical review
See your GP sooner if you have:
sudden severe pain with a popping sensation and loss of strength (possible rupture)
persistent tendon pain lasting weeks
swelling, warmth, or fever with pain
pain limiting daily function, work, or sport
tendon pain in children, older adults, or people with complex health conditions
Early review reduces long-term problems.
Australian care pathway
In Australia, your GP is usually your first point of care. Your GP will examine the tendon, discuss activity patterns, and arrange tests only if needed. Most tendon problems are best managed with:
Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology — structured rehabilitation and load management
Sports Medicine or Orthopaedics — if symptoms are severe, complex, or not improving
Care is usually shared between your GP and allied health professionals.
Self-care and recovery basics
Helpful strategies often include:
modifying activity rather than complete rest
guided strengthening exercises
pacing training loads sensibly
supportive footwear where relevant
heat or ice for comfort
Medication may help short-term symptoms, but long-term recovery depends more on strengthening and smart loading than relying on pain relief alone.
Lifestyle and tendon health
Weight, metabolic health, sleep, fitness, and training patterns influence tendon recovery. Diabetes, thyroid disease, certain medicines, and smoking also affect tendon healing. Supporting overall health improves recovery.
Mental wellbeing during long recoveries
Tendon injuries heal slowly, and long recovery times can affect mood, sleep, motivation, identity (particularly for athletes), and confidence. It is normal to feel frustrated or anxious about setbacks. Talking with your GP, physiotherapist, or psychologist can help with coping strategies, pacing expectations, and supporting overall wellbeing. Your psychological health matters as much as your physical recovery.
Myths vs Reality — A quick reality check
“Total rest is best.”
Usually false. Complete rest weakens tendons over time. Guided strengthening is key.
“Pain always means damage.”
Not always. Tendons can be sensitive without being seriously damaged. Safe loading helps recovery.
“It will just disappear if I ignore it.”
Usually not. Early guidance prevents chronic problems.
“Scans always fix uncertainty.”
Not necessarily. Diagnosis is often based on history, examination, and function — not imaging alone.
A reassuring message
Most tendon and overuse injuries improve with the right plan. A gradual approach, realistic expectations, and supported rehabilitation help you return to normal activity safely.
This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.