What is the difference between a muscle strain and tendinitis?

1 Answer
Apr 3, 2017

As the name suggests, muscle strain is associated with severe overuse and overstretching of a muscle, leading to its injury/tear. Generally there is pain and the area may become bruised.

Strain may develop slowly over a period of time or may suddenly appear depending on the type of activity. Sports persons are most likely to develop a strain. Weight lifters develop strain in back, gymnasts often develop strain in arm while soccer players suffer from strain in back of legs.

Muscles remain attached to bone by tendons and inflammation of tendon is known as tendinitis. There is pain in joint in tendinitis, and also soreness when touched. Tendinitis is common when people with sedentary lifestyle suddenly exercise/go for hiking/cycling, etc.

Resting the affected area is important for both the conditions alnog with medication.

There is another related condition where a ligament may tear (sprain).