What it is
It usually gets better within a few weeks with rest, ice and painkillers, followed by gradual strengthening exercises.
If it does not improve, physiotherapy, shockwave therapy or, sometimes, injections may be offered.
Common signs
- Pain in a tendon that gets worse with movement
- Difficulty moving the joint
- A grating feeling when moving the tendon
- Swelling, sometimes with heat or redness
- A lump along the tendon
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms and an examination
- Sometimes an ultrasound or MRI scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP or physiotherapy notes
- Ultrasound or MRI reports
- Sports medicine or orthopaedic letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- How long should I rest it?
- Which exercises will help?
- When can I return to sport?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden snap or pop with severe pain and being unable to move the joint, such as at the back of the ankle: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.