Tendinitis (or tendonitis) refers to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the thick cord that connects muscle to bone. In the lower arm, tendinitis commonly affects the wrist and elbow tendons due to repetitive movement, overuse, or strain. It can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and weakness that limits everyday tasks such as gripping, lifting, or typing.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas find relief from tendon pain through advanced, evidence-based treatments that target the source of inflammation and promote long-term healing.
Tendons are designed to withstand tension, but when they’re repeatedly overloaded, tiny micro-tears form. Without rest or proper recovery, these small injuries accumulate, causing inflammation and degeneration known as tendinopathy.
Common causes and risk factors include:
Occupations involving manual labor, assembly, or desk work are at higher risk — as are athletes, musicians, and fitness enthusiasts who train without adequate rest.
Tendinitis can develop gradually or appear suddenly after strenuous activity.
Typical symptoms include:
Ignoring early signs can lead to chronic tendinopathy, where the tendon tissue begins to degenerate rather than heal.
Accurate diagnosis is key to tailoring treatment and preventing recurrence.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, conducts a detailed assessment that may include:
Imaging:
This approach ensures accurate diagnosis and helps rule out other causes of pain, such as ligament sprains or nerve entrapment.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Most patients recover successfully with conservative care.
Dr. Burke creates a personalized plan based on tendon location, activity level, and pain severity.
Treatment options include:
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is reserved for severe cases involving chronic degeneration or partial tendon tears that do not respond to conservative care.
Procedures may include tendon debridement (removing damaged tissue) or tendon repair (reattaching torn fibers) using minimally invasive techniques.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery timeline:
Preventive measures:
By addressing underlying biomechanical causes, Dr. Burke helps patients maintain long-term tendon health and functional independence.
You should schedule an evaluation at Dr. Burke Orthopedics if:
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent chronic degeneration and restore full strength faster.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering comprehensive care for tendon and soft-tissue conditions.
Our mission is to restore your mobility and confidence through personalized, patient-centered orthopedic care backed by decades of surgical experience.
