Tendons are the connective bands that attach muscles to the bone; when muscles contract, the tendons transmit the force to the bone, moving the limb. Tendonitis, also called tendinitis, is a condition in which the tendon is inflamed and painful. Tendonitis is caused by overuse, and since tendons connect at the joint, it is felt as joint pain. Tendonitis is often indistinguishable from bursitis, which is an inflammation of the fluid sacs that cushion joints.

Tendonitis is a common sports injury and can take six weeks to heal properly. Continuing to use the inflamed joint can further damage the tendon, making recovery time longer and more debilitating. Tendonitis can also be a work-related injury in cases of repetitive stress.

There are several levels of treatment for tendonitis, depending on the severity of the strain. Anti-inflammatories will relieve both the swelling and the pain associated with it. Icing a sore joint will also reduce tissue swelling, but can interfere with circulation. Analgesics address the pain of tendonitis but not the swelling. A topical application of ointments containing menthol eases joint pain and has the added benefit of increasing local circulation to the joint -- increased circulation speeds healing to any injury.

In some cases, depending on location, joint support such as a sling, a brace or a band is helpful in allowing the joint to rest sufficiently for tendonitis to heal. A pressure band around the forearm, for instance, prevents the muscle from contracting enough to exacerbate tennis elbow. Tendonitis is easier to prevent than to treat. One easy preventative measure is to make sure you stretch adequately before exercising; tendonitis is much more likely to strike cold, stiff tendons than those that have been gently stretched and allowed to warm up. Increasing your activity level gradually is also helpful in preventing tendonitis and other sports-related injuries.

MSM -- or Methyl Sulfonyl Methane -- is a compound being studied for its ability to repair damaged tissue such as that which occurs in tendonitis. MSM is a naturally occurring substance that is formed in the ocean and finds its way into our food supply through the rainfall watering our crops and feedstock. MSM in the body decreases with age. Studies about the use of MSM as a dietary supplement are underway and early results are promising.