Tendonitis, Tendinopathy & Overuse Injuries – Healing and Preventing Repetitive Elbow Strain
Overview
Tendonitis and tendinopathy are common causes of elbow pain, particularly among individuals who perform repetitive movements in work, sports, or daily life. These conditions occur when the tendons — tissues that attach muscles to bones — become inflamed or degenerated from overuse.
While tendonitis refers to short-term inflammation, tendinopathy describes chronic degeneration that develops when the tendon does not heal properly. Both conditions can limit strength, motion, and endurance.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for overuse-related elbow injuries, helping patients from Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas regain strength, flexibility, and confidence in their movement.
Understanding Tendonitis and Tendinopathy
The elbow relies on several tendons that control wrist, hand, and forearm movement. When these tendons are repeatedly stressed—through lifting, gripping, or repetitive work—they can develop microscopic tears, leading to inflammation or degeneration.
If the stress continues without proper recovery, the tendon fibers weaken and become painful, a condition called chronic tendinopathy. This can make even simple activities like gripping, typing, or carrying objects uncomfortable.
Overuse injuries are not limited to athletes — they’re increasingly common in trades, manufacturing, healthcare, and office work.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes include:
- Repetitive motions (lifting, typing, gripping tools, throwing)
- Improper technique in sports or exercise
- Sudden increase in workload or activity intensity
- Poor ergonomics or awkward arm positioning
- Weak shoulder or core muscles, which increase strain on the elbow
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- Occupations requiring repetitive upper-limb use
- Poor posture or workstation setup
- Previous elbow injuries or chronic strain
- Age-related changes reducing tendon elasticity
- Lack of proper warm-up or conditioning
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Symptoms
Symptoms can develop gradually and vary depending on which tendon is affected.
Common symptoms include:
- Aching or burning pain in the elbow or forearm
- Tenderness where tendons attach to bone
- Stiffness after rest or in the morning
- Weakness when gripping or lifting objects
- Swelling or mild warmth around the joint
- Pain that worsens at the end of the day or after repetitive activity
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Without proper management, these symptoms can progress to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Diagnosis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke uses advanced diagnostic tools and his decades of orthopedic expertise to pinpoint the cause and severity of overuse injuries.
Diagnostic process includes:
- Medical history: Review of occupational activities, exercise habits, and symptom duration.
- Physical examination: Identifying tenderness, swelling, and strength deficits.
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- Ultrasound: Detects inflammation and tendon thickening.
- MRI: Assesses tendon quality, tears, or degeneration.
- X-rays: Rules out bone abnormalities or arthritis.
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Accurate diagnosis allows Dr. Burke to tailor treatment plans that relieve pain and restore tendon integrity.
Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, promote tendon healing, and restore safe movement patterns to prevent recurrence.
- Activity modification: Resting from repetitive strain and adjusting ergonomic setup.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce swelling and pain during early recovery.
- Ice and heat therapy: Helps manage inflammation and improve blood flow.
- Bracing or taping: Provides temporary tendon support during work or exercise.
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- Eccentric and isometric strengthening of forearm and shoulder muscles.
- Soft-tissue mobilization and flexibility training.
- Education on pacing, posture, and movement control.
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- Platelet-rich plasma injections deliver growth factors that stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.
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Ergonomic and workload coaching: Reduces the mechanical stress responsible for overuse.
Dr. Burke prioritizes comprehensive, functional recovery rather than short-term symptom relief.
Surgical Treatments
If symptoms persist after months of structured therapy and biologic treatments, surgery may be recommended.
Dr. Burke offers minimally invasive procedures designed to remove damaged tissue and restore tendon health.
Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopic tendon debridement – removes inflamed or degenerated tissue.
- Tendon repair or reattachment: Restores normal tension and strength to the affected tendon.
- Reconstructive Surgery – for advanced or complex tendon degeneration.
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Surgical care is tailored to each patient’s condition, activity level, and recovery goals.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery timelines depend on the extent of injury and treatment method.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Mild cases: 4–6 weeks of conservative therapy.
- Chronic tendinopathy: 3–4 months of progressive rehabilitation.
- Post-surgery: 3–6 months for full functional recovery.
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- Control pain and inflammation.
- Rebuild tendon strength and elasticity.
- Improve flexibility and endurance.
- Prevent recurrence with proper technique and conditioning.
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Structured rehabilitation ensures durable healing and return to normal activities.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
Most patients experience complete recovery with proper treatment and guided physical therapy. Preventing recurrence is key to maintaining tendon health.
Prevention Tips:
- Warm up before physical activity.
- Strengthen surrounding muscles to offload tendon strain.
- Maintain neutral wrist and elbow positions during work.
- Use proper lifting and gripping techniques.
- Take short breaks (30–60 seconds) every 20–30 minutes during repetitive tasks.
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Early recognition and intervention are critical to preventing chronic tendon damage.
You should schedule an orthopedic evaluation if:
- Elbow pain persists for more than two weeks.
- Weakness or stiffness affects daily tasks.
- You experience recurring pain with repetitive activity.
- Conservative care or rest has not improved your symptoms.
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Prompt diagnosis prevents long-term damage and accelerates healing.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If persistent elbow pain or weakness is limiting your work or activities, professional orthopedic care can help.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in treating tendonitis, tendinopathy, and overuse injuries using a comprehensive approach that restores strength and prevents recurrence.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, combining advanced medical care with personalized therapy for lasting results.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in tendon and upper-extremity care.
