Tendinitis is the term used to describe any inflammation or irritation of a tendon. A tendon is a thick fibrous cord that attaches muscles to bone. Tendinitis can also occur in the hips, heels and wrists, but it’s most commonly found around the shoulders, elbows and knees.

Some people refer to tendinitis as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, pitcher's shoulder, swimmer's shoulder and jumper's knee.

Typical signs and symptoms of tendinitis include:

- Pain

- Tenderness

- Mild swelling (in some cases)

When tendinitis occurs in various locations of the body, specific types of pain are experienced including:

Tennis elbow - Pain is felt on the outer side of the forearm near the elbow when the forearm is rotated or an object is gripped.

Achilles tendinitis - Pain occurs just above the heel.

Adductor tendinitis - Pain occurs in the groin.

Patellar tendinitis - Pain occurs just below the kneecap.

Rotator cuff tendinitis - Pain occurs in the shoulder.

Tendons are surrounded by tissue which is susceptible to wear and tear from aging, injury and inflammatory diseases. In most cases, tendinitis is the result of an injury or overuse during work or play. Pain usually results from a small tear in or inflammation of the tendon that links muscles to bones. Tendinitis can also be associated with inflammatory diseases that occur throughout your body, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Since many people suffer from tendinitis due to activities they perform on the job, making changes to the work environment will help ease and prevent further tendinitis problems. Adjusting the height of desks and work spaces, assuming a comfortable position at the keyboard, avoiding overuse of affected joints and taking regular rest breaks all help to alleviate pain and stress on the joints. Those who work at a computer may find using an ergonomic keyboard significantly reduces the pain of tendinitis in the thumbs and wrist. It is also important to properly warm up and cool down the muscles following any strenuous exercise. Varying the exercise routine will also help.

The following supplements may be beneficial in treating tendinitis:

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (take as directed on label) - Greatly reduces pain and promotes immune system activity.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (take as directed on label) - The major form of sulfur in the body, an important nutrient for joint health.

Calcium (1,500 mg daily) - Needed for connective tissue repair.

Magnesium (750 mg daily) - Needed to balance calcium.

Free-Form Amino Acid Complex (take as directed on label) - Aids healing of tendons & tissues.

Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids (3,000 - 8,000 mg daily) - Reduces inflammation & is essential for the formation of collagen, which is a protein found in connective tissue.

Vitamin E (start with 400 IU daily and gradually increase to 1,000 IU daily) - An anti-inflammatory free radical scavenger.

Bromelain (take as directed on label) - is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps heal minor injuries, like sprains and strains.

Curcumin (take as directed on label) - Can be used topically and internally to treat sprains and inflammation.

Pancreatin (take as directed on label) - An effective anti-inflammatory treatment for acute and chronic conditions.

White Willow (take as directed on label) - Relieves pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and injuries.