tendon that comes and goes

Overview

Tendons are strong, flexible cords that connect muscle to bone. When a tendon 'comes and goes', it usually means symptoms such as pain, swelling, or a snapping feeling that appear at some times and disappear at others. This can happen with overuse, during healing, or when a tendon briefly slips out of its normal groove and snaps back.

Intermittent tendon symptoms are very common. Many people experience a tendon ache, click, or 'giving way' feeling at some point in life, and most settle with a sensible, steady approach.

Anyone can be affected, but it is more common in active people, athletes, older adults, and people whose work or sport involves repeated movements.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aches or sharp pain that comes with certain movements and fades at rest
• A clicking, popping, or snapping feeling along a tendon
• Mild swelling or tenderness over the affected area
• A feeling of weakness or as if the joint is 'giving way'
• Pain that is worse after activity and better next morning

Symptoms in children

• Pain or a click around a knee, heel, or wrist after sport
• Limping or avoiding a certain movement
• Symptoms that appear during growth spurts and settle with rest

Symptoms in older adults

• Morning stiffness that eases as the day goes on
• Pain when climbing stairs, gripping, or lifting
• Smaller movement range in the affected joint
• A sensation of rubbing or catching with movement

Causes

Main causes

• Overuse or repetitive strain
• A sudden increase in exercise or activity
• Poor warm-up or muscle imbalance
• Age-related wear and tear on tendons
• A tendon that briefly slips out of its groove and snaps back

Risk factors

• Sports that involve running, jumping, or throwing
• Jobs that need the same movement over and over
• Being over 40 years old
• A past injury to the same tendon
• Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or some types of arthritis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor or urgent care service the same day if you have severe pain, sudden swelling, or a joint that cannot take weight.
• If you heard a pop and now cannot move the joint, get urgent medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment if symptoms keep returning for more than two to four weeks.
• See a doctor if the tendon pain affects your sleep, work, or normal daily activities.
• Ask for advice if you have had repeated tendon problems and want a structured recovery plan.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They will feel along the tendon, check your strength and movement, and ask you to do small movements that may reproduce the clicking or pain. Imaging tests are only used when needed.

Tests that may be done

• Movement tests during the physical exam
• Ultrasound to look at the tendon while it moves
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a detailed view of the tendon and surrounding tissues

What to expect at your appointment

Most appointments start with questions and a physical examination. The doctor may move your joint in specific ways to see if the tendon clicks, slips, or feels tender. They will then explain what they think is happening and agree a plan with you.

Treatment

Treatment usually starts with simple, conservative steps: rest from painful activities, protect the area, and gradually return to normal movement. The goal is to settle symptoms and prevent them from coming back.

Self-care at home

• Rest from the activity that makes it worse, but keep other parts of the body moving.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the area for 10 to 15 minutes after activity.
• Warm up gently before exercise and cool down afterwards.
• Try easing back into exercise slowly, rather than stopping suddenly or doing too much too soon.
• Use a simple diary to track which movements make symptoms better or worse.

Medical treatments

Your doctor or physiotherapist may suggest a structured exercise programme, a support such as a brace or tape, or footwear advice. If symptoms are severe, a clinician may discuss other options such as anti-inflammatory medicines or injections. Always ask about the benefits, risks, and whether these are right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually the first choice. It may be discussed if a tendon has torn, or if it keeps slipping out of place and does not improve with therapy. A surgeon will explain the procedure and recovery time in detail.

Living with this condition

Pace yourself. If a task causes pain, reduce the amount or speed of that movement. Small, regular breaks can help much more than pushing through pain and then needing a long rest.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep moving in ways that feel comfortable.
• Build strength gradually with the help of a physiotherapist if possible.
• Take rest days between heavy training or repetitive work.
• Sleep in a position that takes pressure off the sore area.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, protein, and dairy or alternatives. Choose low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling while the tendon settles, and add gentle strengthening movements as symptoms allow.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Repeated pain can be frustrating and may affect sleep, mood, or confidence. Be kind to yourself, celebrate small wins, and talk to your doctor if worry or low mood is making it harder to cope.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every tendon problem, but many can be avoided. Increase exercise loads slowly, warm up properly, and stop before a movement turns into sharp pain.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for tendon problems.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for most tendon issues, but if a health condition puts you at higher risk, your clinician can advise on regular check-ups.

Complications

If left untreated

• Symptoms may become more constant over time.
• The tendon may become weaker and more likely to tear.
• You may lose strength or movement in the affected joint.
• Pain may lead you to avoid activity, which can cause further muscle weakness.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. Most tendon symptoms settle with rest, the right movement plan, and time. Even when a tendon has slipped or torn, modern treatments can help you recover. Focus on small improvements and follow the plan agreed with your healthcare team.

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