Symptoms:
Pain in a tendon. Whereas simple muscle soreness soon goes away, tendon pain can continue on for some time.

Cause:
A tendon is used in the same repetitive motion while ignoring initial indications of tiredness.

Treatment:
• When this occurs, you have to stop the activity for a time, even though that activity is your primary employment or sport (window washing, long-distance swimming, etc.).

• But do not rest too long, or the muscle tends to atrophy. And while you are resting, do not do absolute rest.

• Soak in a warm bath or a whirlpool bath. Warm the tendon before stressful activity decreases the soreness.

• Place a warm, damp towel over the area (knee, etc.). Put plastic over that, a heating pad on top, and finally a loose elastic bandage. Keep it in place for 2-6 hours, with the pad set on low. During this time, try to keep the injured part higher than your heart.

• An alternate method is to wrap the painful area in an Ace bandage, but not too tight or kept on too long. Proper circulation must be maintained.

• Raise the affected area, to help control swelling.

• Before a workout, carefully warm up. This is important. The tub bath, mentioned above, can precede the warming-up exercises out in the field.

• Before hard exercise, carefully stretch your muscles, to limber them up. Stretching helps prevent the shortening which accompanies exercise.

• Ice can be placed on the area after exercise, to reduce swelling and pain. But those with diabetes, heart disease, or problems with blood vessels, should be cautious about using ice. It can constrict blood vessels and loosen clots.

• If possible, switch to a different exercise format for a time. (Runners can switch to cycling, etc.)

• Strengthen your muscles generally.