Tendonitis & Tendon Pain Treatment New Jersey

Tendon pain can make everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Walking up stairs, lifting your arm, exercising, or even gripping an object can become painful when a tendon is irritated or injured.

Sometimes, the pain develops suddenly after an injury. Other times, it builds gradually from repetitive movements, sports, work, or everyday wear and tear. What starts as mild discomfort can become a persistent problem that limits your mobility and quality of life.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage musculoskeletal pain and injuries. His approach focuses on identifying the source of pain and recommending treatment based on the affected tendon, severity of the condition, and your individual needs.

Whether you’re dealing with a recent tendon injury or pain that hasn’t improved with rest and physical therapy, understanding what’s happening inside the tendon is the first step toward finding relief.

Common Symptoms of Tendinitis and Tendinopathy

Tendon problems can affect many areas of the body, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.

Depending on the location and severity, symptoms may include:

• Pain near a joint or along a tendon
• Tenderness when touching the affected area
• Pain that worsens with repetitive movement
• Stiffness after periods of rest
• Discomfort when lifting, gripping, walking, or exercising
• Swelling or thickening around the tendon
• Reduced strength or range of motion
• Pain that interferes with work, sports, or daily activities

If tendon pain persists, repeatedly returns, or makes normal movement difficult, a medical evaluation can help determine whether you’re dealing with an inflammatory condition, chronic tendon changes, or another injury.

What Is Causing Your Tendon Pain?

Tendons are strong bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones. They help transfer force from your muscles so you can move your joints.

Although often used interchangeably, tendinitis and tendinopathy refer to different conditions.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, often associated with a recent injury or repetitive strain.

It may cause localized pain, tenderness, and swelling, particularly during movement. Depending on the tendon involved, symptoms may improve with activity modification, rehabilitation, and other conservative treatments.

Chronic Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is a broader term describing tendon pain and impaired function. In chronic cases, the tendon may develop changes in its collagen structure and its ability to tolerate load. The tendon is like a rope that gets frayed or torn with overuse.

Unlike acute tendinitis, persistent tendinopathy may be due to structural damage. This is important because physical therapy focuses on rehabilitation but does not directly address the underlying tendon injury.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder.

Repetitive overhead movements, age-related tendon changes, or injuries can cause pain when lifting the arm, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected shoulder.

Learn more about shoulder pain.

Patellar Tendinopathy

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone.

Often associated with jumping, running, and repetitive loading, patellar tendinopathy can cause pain directly below the kneecap, especially during stairs, squats, or athletic activity.

Learn more about knee pain.

Achilles Tendinopathy

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel.

Overuse, sudden increases in activity, and other factors can contribute to pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle. Symptoms are often noticeable during walking, running, or the first steps after resting.

How We Diagnose Tendinitis and Tendinopathy

Successful treatment begins with determining which tendon is affected and whether the problem involves inflammation, chronic tendon wear and tear, a partial tear, or another condition.

During your evaluation, Dr. Koppel reviews your symptoms, activity level, medical history, and previous treatments.

Your evaluation may include:

• Physical examination of the painful area
• Assessment of joint movement and tendon function
• Strength and flexibility testing
• Review of activities that aggravate your symptoms
• Ultrasound or MRI when appropriate
• Evaluation for related joint or nerve conditions

The goal is to understand why the tendon hurts before recommending a treatment plan.

When Should You See a Pain Specialist?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if:

• Tendon pain has lasted several weeks without meaningful improvement
• Symptoms repeatedly return when you resume activity
• Pain interferes with work, exercise, or everyday movement
• You experience persistent weakness or reduced mobility
• Physical therapy or other conservative treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief

Sudden severe pain, a popping sensation, or an inability to use the affected limb may indicate a significant tear and warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Tendinitis and Tendinopathy Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the affected tendon, severity of symptoms, and whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Dr. Koppel may recommend a combination of conservative care and targeted procedures.

Physical Therapy and Activity Modification

Many tendon conditions improve with a structured rehabilitation program.

Treatment may include progressive strengthening, adjustments to activities that aggravate symptoms, and exercises designed to improve the tendon’s ability to tolerate load.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy uses a concentrated preparation of platelets obtained from your own blood.

It may be considered for certain chronic tendon conditions that haven’t responded adequately to conservative treatment.

Research findings vary by tendon and condition, so PRP isn’t appropriate for every patient and results cannot be guaranteed.

Joint Injections

When tendon pain occurs alongside inflammation or arthritis in a nearby joint, targeted joint injections may help address the joint-related component of discomfort.

The type of injection depends on the diagnosis. Injections into or around a tendon require careful consideration because some medications can weaken tendon tissue.

Tenotomy for Chronic Tendinopathy

For selected cases of persistent tendinopathy, Dr. Koppel may consider the tenotomy procedure.

Tenotomy involves treating the affected tendon tissue using a procedure selected for the specific condition. This minimally invasive technique utilizes a high frequency hydro device to remove the diseased tendon tissue while sparing the healthy tissue. Dr. Koppel usually combines this treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma for optimal results. It is a small device requiring a minimal incision. Patients recover quickly and noticeable improvement can occur within weeks.

The goal is to address the area of chronic tendon damage. Recovery and expected benefits depend on the tendon involved, procedure performed, and rehabilitation afterward.

Not every patient with tendinopathy is a candidate for a tenotomy, but Dr. Koppel will advise on what is the best treatment for the condition.

Why Choose Dr. Todd Koppel?

Choosing a physician who understands the different causes of musculoskeletal pain is an important part of developing an appropriate treatment plan.

Dr. Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage pain and improve their ability to participate in everyday activities.

Patients choose Dr. Koppel because he offers:

• Nearly 30 years of experience in pain management
• 1,000+ five-star patient reviews across trusted review platforms
• Board certification in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology
• Board certification in Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology
• Fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management
• A medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College
• Residency training at The New York Hospital-Hospital of Special Surgery.
• Personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s diagnosis
• Image-guided procedures when appropriate
• A conservative approach that considers less invasive options first

His goal is to help you understand what’s causing your pain and identify treatment options that fit your needs.