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Tendonitis

Tendonitis is when a tendon swells (becomes inflamed) after an injury. It can cause joint pain and stiffness, and affect how a tendon moves. You can treat a mild tendon injury yourself and it should feel better within 2 to 3 weeks.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Tendonitis is when a tendon swells (becomes inflamed) after an injury. It can cause joint pain and stiffness, and affect how a tendon moves. You can treat a mild tendon injury yourself and it should feel better within 2 to 3 weeks.

How to treat tendonitis yourself

Follow these steps for 2 to 3 days to help manage pain and support the tendon.

  • Rest: try to avoid moving the tendon for 2 to 3 days.
  • Ice: put an ice pack (or try a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on the tendon for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Support: wrap an elastic bandage around the area, use a tube bandage, or use a soft brace. You can buy these from pharmacies. It should be snug, not tight.

It's important to take a bandage or brace off before going to bed.

When you're able to move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint does not become stiff.

To help prevent further injury or pain, try to avoid:

  • heavy lifting, strong gripping or twisting actions that make the symptoms worse
  • playing any sport until the tendon has recovered

A pharmacist may be able to help with tendonitis

A pharmacist can recommend the best painkiller for you. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to ease pain.

They may also recommend an ibuprofen gel to rub on your skin.

Symptoms of tendonitis

There are tendons all over your body. They connect your muscles to bones in your joints, for example, in your knees, elbows and shoulders.

The main symptoms of tendonitis are:

  • pain in a tendon that gets worse when you move
  • difficulty moving the joint
  • feeling a grating or crackling sensation when you move the tendon
  • swelling, sometimes with heat or redness

If the pain is sudden and severe, and happened during an accident or activity, you may have torn (ruptured) a tendon.

You might have heard a popping or snapping sound when the pain started.

See a GP if:

  • you have injured a joint and your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks

Treatment for tendonitis

If you need treatment for tendonitis a GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller or suggest you use an ibuprofen gel on your skin to ease the pain.

If the pain is severe, lasts a long time, or your movement is limited, you may be referred for physiotherapy. You can also see a physiotherapist privately.

If physiotherapy does not help, you may be referred to a doctor who specialises in muscles and bones (orthopaedic specialist) or a local musculoskeletal clinic.

Some people with severe tendonitis may be offered:

  • steroid injections, which may provide short-term pain relief
  • surgery to remove damaged tissue or repair a ruptured tendon
Consult with a doctor about Tendonitis

Consult with a doctor about Tendonitis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Self-refer for treatment

If you have tendonitis, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB

Preventing tendon problems

Tendonitis is usually caused by sudden, sharp movements or repetitive exercise, such as running, jumping or throwing.

It can also be caused by repetitive movements, or having poor posture or technique while at work or when playing a sport. This is known as repetitive strain injury (RSI).

You cannot always prevent tendonitis. But there are things you can do to help reduce the chance of a tendon injury.

Do

  • warm up before exercising and gently stretch afterwards

  • wear supportive shoes or insoles for exercise

  • take regular breaks from repetitive exercises

Don’t

  • do not overexercise tired muscles

  • do not start a new sport without some training or practice

  • do not do the same repetitive exercises

Online doctors for Tendonitis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Tendonitis with a doctor online.

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Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicine 18 years exp.

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

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Anastasiia Shalko

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

  • acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever)
  • viral illnesses such as colds and seasonal infections
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis)
  • sudden changes in how a child or adult feels
  • questions about existing treatment and whether adjustments are needed
  • renewal of prescriptions when clinically appropriate

Dr. Shalko works specifically with urgent and short-term problems, providing practical recommendations and helping patients determine the safest next step. She explains symptoms clearly, guides patients through decision-making and offers straightforward medical advice for everyday acute issues.She does not provide long-term management of chronic conditions, ongoing follow-up or comprehensive care plans for complex long-term illnesses. Her consultations are designed for acute symptoms, sudden concerns and situations where timely medical input is important.With clinical experience in both paediatrics and general medicine, Dr. Shalko confidently supports adults and children. Her communication style is clear, simple and reassuring, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the consultation.

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Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk

Dermatology 10 years exp.

Dr. Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk graduated in Medicine and subsequently specialized in Dermatology and Venereology. She has more than 10 years of clinical experience and is licensed to practice in Spain, where she focuses on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions.

Throughout her education and professional career, Dr. Trafimchuk has gained extensive experience in managing diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Her clinical approach is based on evidence-based medicine, combined with personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

In her daily practice, she treats a wide range of dermatological conditions, including chronic inflammatory dermatoses such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. She also has experience in treating pigmentation disorders, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dyschromia.

She has developed a particular interest in trichology, treating various types of alopecia, chronic hair loss, and scalp disorders. In addition, she has experience in managing infectious dermatoses of fungal, viral, and bacterial origin, as well as in evaluating benign and suspicious skin lesions, with referral to specialized care when necessary.

With a strong interest in a comprehensive approach to skin health, she also treats scars, post-procedural skin changes, and conditions related to hormonal factors and aging, including those associated with pregnancy, menopause, and age-related skin changes.

Thanks to her experience and continuous professional development, Dr. Trafimchuk provides high-quality medical care that is professional, confidential, and aligned with modern dermatology standards.

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Daniel Cichi

Family medicine 24 years exp.

Dr Daniel Cichi is a family medicine doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He provides online consultations for adults, supporting patients with acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and everyday health concerns that require timely medical guidance. His background includes work in emergency care, ambulance services, and family medicine, which allows him to assess symptoms quickly, identify warning signs, and help patients choose the safest next steps – whether that means home care, treatment adjustment, or in-person evaluation. Patients commonly consult Dr Daniel Cichi for: 

  • acute symptoms: fever, infections, flu-like illness, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath;
  • chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and blood pressure concerns;
  • digestive problems: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux;
  • sexually transmitted infections, erectile dysfunction;
  • muscle, joint, and back pain, minor injuries, post-traumatic symptoms;
  • chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, weight loss, hair loss;
  • review and interpretation of lab tests, imaging reports, and medical documents;
  • medication review and treatment adjustment;
  • medical advice while travelling or living abroad;
  • second opinions and guidance on whether in-person care is needed.

Dr Cichi’s consultations are structured and practical. He focuses on clear explanations, risk assessment, and actionable recommendations, helping patients understand their symptoms and make informed decisions about their health.

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Dmytro Horobets

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Dmytro Horobets is a licensed family medicine physician in Poland, specialising in endocrinology, diabetology, obesity management, gastroenterology, pediatrics, general surgery, and pain medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised medical support for a wide range of acute and chronic health concerns.

Areas of expertise:

  • Endocrinology: diabetes type 1 and type 2, prediabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, hormonal imbalance.
  • Obesity medicine: structured weight management plans, nutritional counselling, obesity-related health risks.
  • Gastroenterology: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver and biliary conditions.
  • Pediatric care: infections, respiratory symptoms, digestive issues, growth and development monitoring.
  • General surgery support: pre- and post-surgical consultations, wound care, rehabilitation.
  • Pain management: chronic and acute pain, back pain, joint pain, post-traumatic pain syndromes.
  • Cardiovascular health: hypertension, cholesterol control, risk assessment for heart disease.
  • Preventive medicine: regular check-ups, health screenings, long-term management of chronic conditions.

Dr. Horobets combines evidence-based medicine with a patient-centred approach. He carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history and symptoms, offering clear explanations and structured treatment plans adapted to individual needs.

Whether you need help managing diabetes, tackling weight-related health issues, interpreting lab results, or receiving general family medicine support, Dr. Horobets provides professional online care tailored to your specific health goals.

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Doctor

Lina Travkina

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

Areas of medical care include:

  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
  • Neurological and general symptoms: headache, migraine, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, anxiety, asthenia.
  • Chronic pain support: back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, tension syndromes, pain associated with osteochondrosis and chronic conditions.

Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
  • Medical advice and follow-up consultations.
  • Test interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
  • Structured support for undiagnosed complaints.
  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
  • Post-operative recovery support and pain management.
  • Preconception counselling and postpartum support.
  • Immunity support and strategies to reduce frequency of infections.

Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

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Doctor

Taisiia Proida

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Taisiia Proida is a general practitioner with a specialization in mental health and a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT), a member of the European Psychiatric Association. She offers online consultations for adults aged 18 and over, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to mental health care. She specialises in consultations and ongoing support for a wide range of mental health concerns, including: 

  • Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression.
  • Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assessment is provided only after an initial psychiatric evaluation and during a follow-up appointment.
  • Personality disorders and emotional instability.
  • Cyclothymia and mood fluctuations.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and related conditions.

Dr. Proida combines clinical expertise with an empathetic approach, offering structured support based on evidence-based practices. Her work integrates CBT techniques with medical management, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. She works with clients from different countries and cultural backgrounds, adapting her communication style and recommendations to individual needs. With experience in international clinical trials (Pfizer, Merck), she values clarity, trust, and collaborative partnership in patient care.

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Doctor

Alina Tsurkan

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Alina Tsurkan is a licensed family medicine physician based in Portugal, offering online consultations for adults and children. She provides professional primary care, with a focus on prevention, accurate diagnosis, and long-term management of acute and chronic conditions.

Dr. Tsurkan supports patients with a wide range of health issues, including:

  • Respiratory infections: cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lingering coughs.
  • ENT conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis (ear infections), sore throat, allergic rhinitis.
  • Eye conditions: allergic or infectious conjunctivitis, red eyes, irritation.
  • Digestive issues: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, nausea.
  • Urinary and reproductive health: urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, prevention of recurrent infections.
  • Chronic diseases: hypertension, elevated cholesterol, weight management.
  • Neurological complaints: headaches, migraines, sleep disturbances, fatigue, general weakness.
  • Children’s health: fever, infections, digestive issues, follow-ups, vaccination guidance.

She also provides:

  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange in Portugal.
  • Personalised preventive care and wellness consultations.
  • Interpretation of test results and medical reports.
  • Follow-up care and medication review.
  • Support in managing multiple coexisting conditions.
  • Remote prescription management and medical documentation.

Dr. Tsurkan’s approach is evidence-based and holistic. She works closely with each patient to develop an individualised care plan that addresses both symptoms and root causes. Her goal is to empower patients to take control of their health and maintain well-being through lifestyle adjustments, routine check-ups, and early intervention.

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