Causes of Tendon Injuries
Causes of Tendonitis

There are many causes of tendonitis, the most common causes include:
- Repetitive strain or overuse from repetitive work or sports such as tennis and golf
- Too much strain on the tendon
- Incomplete healing of a previous injury
- The aging body which results in the tendons becoming harder and losing elasticity which can lead to tendonitis
Elbow tendonitis is most often caused by overuse of the tendon. The most common forms of elbow tendonitis are Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) and Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow).
Causes of Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are a result of vigorous use and movements or overstraining of the forearm muscles that move your fingers, hand, wrist and forearm.
Overuse of your muscles really depends on how long you do something and how much effort you exert doing it. The constant tugging at the point of attachment on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle) or the inside of your elbow (medial epicondyle) can cause these tendons to become inflamed and strained.
Your muscles and tendons can then become irritated which can result in weaker tendons, tiny tendon tears and development of scar tissue and/or calcium deposits.
The development of scar tissue will put pressure on your soft tissue and nerves, and interrupt the blood flow to this area; this can be very painful (see ultrasound therapy for scar tissue treatment).
Causes of Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis Elbow
Although over 50% of tennis players will experience tennis elbow at some point in time, it is caused by many common activities. It generally affects men and women between 35-65 years of age who stress their wrist and elbow through twisting or extending motions in repetitive work or activities.
This condition is very common with sports participants (racquet sports, golfers, fencers, swimmers, throwing sports) as well as plumbers, carpenters, landscapers, painters, waitresses, librarians, office workers and musicians.
Causes of Medial Epicondylitis
Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow is most common in men between 20 - 49 years of age, however it can affect anyone who uses their hands, wrists and fingers to wrap around instruments, type on keyboards, or grip objects (golfers, pitchers, racquet players, small parts manufacturers, office workers, lab technicians, hygienists, carpenters, wood choppers). It is most often a result of forceful contractions and overuse.
These injuries often have some mutual causes and can even be stimulated by normal activities such as pulling weeds, knitting or carrying a suitcase (especially when you don't allow a previously injured elbow to heal properly or in enough time).
Occasionally, a direct hit to the outside of the elbow or falling onto an outstretched arm will cause these conditions, however it is very rare.
Causes of Tendonosis
Tendonosis is an accumulation of small injuries that have not properly healed and is often caused by:
- Repetitive movements
- manual labour for extended periods of time
- Putting too much strain on the tendon
- Overuse of the tendon in sports with repetive motions
Causes of Tenosynovitis
Causes of tenosynovitis are often unknown but may be preceded by:
- Overuse
- Previous injury
- Infection
- Strain
- Arthritis
Tenosynovitis can be genetic and is generally seen more often in males than in females. The causes for children are even less well known and have a recurrence rate of less than 1-5% after treatment.
Do You Have More Questions?
If you have any questions regarding elbow injuries, treatment or our therapeutic products please contact a MendMeShop Advisor for assistance. You can be assured all your questions will be answered in a thorough and courteous manner by our trained staff.
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