The Basics of Tendinitis

Proper warm-up before exercise is key to avoiding tendinitis.

Sometimes, it's hard to tell what hurts more: The constant throbbing of the tendinitis itself or the fact that you can't do all the activities you were doing before you got sidelined by the pain.

Tendons are sinewy connective-tissue fibers that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis is a warning flare sent up by a tendon that has become inflamed, usually as a result of your doing too much of what you thought was a good thing.

Tendinitis also lets you know, in no uncertain terms, when you're working at too quick a pace -- on a keyboard or at the track -- without the proper training or warm-up. (Tendinitis in the arm is sometimes confused with another repetitive-movement disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects a tendon that runs through the wrist.)

As you're swearing to yourself that you'll take it easier and warm up properly next time, see the tips in the next section to help you through today's joint pain and get back in the game.