ArcaMax

Yankee pitcher Giancarlo Stanton made his season debut June 16, 2025, sitting out the beginning of the year with tendinitis in both elbows. But the acute pain caused by microtears in the tendons around the elbow, wrist, knee, ankle or shoulder can sideline anyone.

Tendonitis often comes from overuse or repetitive motion, but as you age, it can also seem more spontaneous, as tendons become less flexible and more inflamed. There's also a risk of tendonitis if you have obesity, Type 1 or 2 diabetes, and elevated lousy LDL cholesterol, because they're associated with inflammation in the tendons and slower healing of microtears.

Whatever the cause, you want to attend to tendonitis immediately. Physical therapy and strategies to decrease inflammation (stress management, anti-inflammatory food choices, and eliminating chronic inflammatory proteins in your body, maybe with therapeutic plasma exchange) are key to treating tendonitis. Exercises that lengthen muscles under tension are especially helpful. For example, if you have tendonitis in your arm, try the bicep curl. Curl up; then extend your arm downward very slowly.

Short-term, cortisone injections may help you get through PT, but to avoid long-term adverse effects, only take the minimum needed to manage pain. Braces around affected joints can also encourage healing.

Your diet may also help avoid -- and repair -- tendonitis. Lean, high-quality proteins from legumes and fish, such as salmon, and plenty of vitamin C help build collagen, which speeds tendon repair. For more information on staying active and avoiding injuries, check out my book "The RealAge Workout."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.