Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Tendon pain

Tendon pain often develops when loading increases faster than the tendon can adapt. A tendon usually recovers with targeted, gradual loading; complete rest and passive treatments alone are often not enough.

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Tendon pain often develops when loading increases faster than the tendon can adapt. A tendon usually recovers with targeted, gradual loading; complete rest and passive treatments alone are often not enough.

  • Local pain at a tendon or its attachment during or after activity.
  • Stiffness when starting to move after sleep or sitting, which temporarily eases with gentle movement.
  • Temporarily reduce movements that cause clear, lasting pain afterwards, but maintain other safe activity.
  • Start with suitable isometric or gentle strengthening exercises and increase resistance gradually.
  • Make an appointment if tendon pain does not improve after a few weeks of adjusted activity or limits functioning.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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J
Jumper’s kneeJumper’s knee is an overuse condition of the patellar tendon below the kneecap. Targeted, gradually increased tendon loading usually helps more than complete rest or pain relief alone.
K
Kneecap pain with movementPain around or behind the kneecap when using stairs, squatting, running or sitting for a long time is often called patellofemoral pain. The knee is usually not damaged; targeted exercise therapy and a gradual increase in activity often help.
O
Outer hip painPain on the outside of the hip is often caused by irritation of the gluteal tendons around the bony prominence at the hip. Adjusting activities and targeted exercise therapy usually help more than prolonged rest.