What causes chronic widespread tendonitis?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 21, 2026
The cause of tendinitis is often unknown. It usually occurs in people who are middle-aged or older as the vascularity of tendons decreases; repetitive microtrauma may contribute. Repeated or extreme trauma (short of rupture), strain, and excessive or unaccustomed exercise probably also contribute.
Why do I keep getting tendonitis everywhere?
Most people develop tendinitis because their jobs or hobbies involve repetitive motions, which put stress on the tendons. Using proper technique is especially important when performing repetitive sports movements or job-related activities.
What causes widespread tendonitis?
Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury or overuse. Playing sports is a common cause. Tendinitis also can occur with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. Body-wide (systemic) diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can also lead to tendinitis.
Can you have tendonitis all over your body at the same time?
The tendons go from the head and neck all the way down to the feet, and tendonitis can occur in any area of the body where a tendon is connecting a bone to a muscle.
What would cause tendonitis in multiple joints?
Sports: Sports like running, tennis, and golf involve repetitive motions, which can lead to tendinitis. Some health conditions: People with gout, kidney diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop tendinitis.
30 related questions foundIs tendonitis a symptom of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can feel similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. But rather than hurting in a specific area, the pain and stiffness could be throughout your body. Other fibro symptoms can include: Belly pain, bloating, queasiness, constipation, and diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
Is there a disease that causes tendonitis?
The cause of tendonitis and tenosynovitis is often not known. They may be caused by strain, overuse, injury, or too much exercise. Tendonitis may also be related to a disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection.
How is chronic tendonitis treated?
This treatment can help speed your recovery and help prevent further problems.
- Rest. Avoid activities that increase the pain or swelling. ...
- Ice. To decrease pain, muscle spasm and swelling, apply ice to the injured area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. ...
- Compression. ...
- Elevation.
What is degenerative tendon disease?
Tendinosis occurs when tendons degenerate, meaning that they begin to break down. Tendons may have small tears or disorganized collagen fibers instead of straight collagen fibers. This condition is most common in the elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, and Achilles heel tendons.
Can you be prone to tendonitis?
Some people are more likely to get tendinitis than others. Risk factors for tendinitis include: Age: Tendons become stiffer with age, making a person more susceptible to injury. Profession: If a person's job involves repetitive movements, they are at a higher risk of overuse injuries.
Does tendonitis show up on MRI?
Since MRI scans depend on the water or fluid content in the body tissue, you can see swelling and inflammation on these images. For instance, tendonitis will show up on an MR scan because there's usually fluid and swelling that goes along with it.
Can tendon degeneration be reversed?
Early treatment is necessary because untreated tendinosis can rupture the tendons and lead to further degeneration of tendon tissue. Tendinosis can be cured but may take 3 to 6 months to heal. Physical therapy and other treatment measures may speed up the healing process.
Why is my tendonitis not getting better?
Tendonosis is caused by chronic overuse of a tendon. Tendons require a long time to heal because of their poor blood supply. Continued and repetitive activity puts stress on the tendon and slows down the healing process.
Can you have tendonitis in multiple joints at the same time?
Bursitis and tendinitis often result from injury, usually affecting only one joint. However, certain disorders cause bursitis or tendinitis in many joints.
What disease causes weak tendons?
Connective tissue deficiency syndrome (CTDS), also called Hauser's syndrome, is a disorder characterized by a deficiency in the amount, function or strength of the connective tissue, including ligaments or tendons.
What foods cause tendonitis?
Caffeine – known to bind to calcium and promote bone loss. Excess sodium – can counteract potassium. Sugar – reduce immune function, slow down wound healing and increase inflammation. Fried, processed foods – a rich source of pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids.
What are usually the first signs of fibromyalgia?
Main signs and symptoms
- fatigue.
- lack of energy.
- trouble sleeping.
- depression or anxiety.
- memory problems and trouble concentrating (sometimes called “fibro fog”)
- headaches.
- muscle twitches or cramps.
- numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
What is fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can't be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause tendonitis?
Involvement of tendons and tendon sheaths is frequently found in the most common inflammatory systemic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis tendon manifestations occur as tenosynovitis, with swelling and pain of the tendons mainly on the hands and feet.
Does CBD help tendonitis?
CBD oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. A CBD cream can be used directly on the inflamed area, where it will absorb through the skin and provide immediate relief for your tendonitis. CBD oil can be effective in treating tendonitis by relieving pain and reducing swelling.
Is tendonitis a disability?
To qualify for disability benefits, you must show the SSA that your tendonitis is severe enough to last for at least a year and prevents you from working. This means that your condition must be backed by medical evidence that includes objective symptoms and lab tests, X-rays and/or results from a physical exam.
What's the difference between tendinosis and tendonitis?
Tendinitis is an acutely inflamed swollen tendon that doesn't have microscopic tendon damage. The underlying culprit in tendinitis is inflammation. Tendinosis, on the other hand, is a chronically damaged tendon with disorganized fibers and a hard, thickened, scarred and rubbery appearance.
Is tendonitis serious?
Untreated tendonitis can develop into chronic tendinosis and cause permanent degradation of your tendons. In some cases, it can even lead to tendon rupture, which requires surgery to fix. So if you suspect tendonitis, stop doing the activities that cause the most pain.
Does tendonitis show up in blood tests?
may be used to rule out bone problems or arthritis. Drawing tissue from a swollen bursa may be done to check for infection or gout. Blood tests may be ordered to find out if other conditions exist, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Generally, blood tests are not needed to diagnose tendonitis or bursitis.
Can a CT scan show tendon damage?
While X-rays can only show bones and cartilage, a CT scan can provide a more in-depth look at how soft tissues surrounding these bones may have been damaged as well. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs, and other tissues that provide support and structure for your bones.