New York Yankees outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton made his season debut on June 16, 2025, after sitting out the beginning of the year with tendinitis in both elbows. But the acute pain caused by such microtears in the tendons around the elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, or shoulder can sideline anyone.

Tendonitis often comes from overuse or repetitive motion. But as you age, it can also seem more spontaneous, as tendons become less flexible and more inflamed.

There's also a risk of tendonitis if you suffer from obesity, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and elevated lousy LDL cholesterol because they're all associated with inflammation in the tendons and slower healing of microtears.

Whatever the cause, you want to attend to tendonitis immediately. Physical therapy and strategies to decrease inflammation (stress management, anti-inflammatory food choices, and eliminating chronic inflammatory proteins in your body, maybe with therapeutic plasma exchange) are key to treating tendonitis.

Exercises that lengthen muscles under tension are especially helpful. For example, if you have tendonitis in your arm, try a bicep curl. Curl up; then extend your arm downward very slowly.

Short-term cortisone injections may help you get through physical therapy, but to avoid long-term adverse effects, only take the minimum needed to manage pain. Braces around affected joints can also encourage healing.

Your diet may also help you avoid and  even repair tendonitis. Lean, high-quality proteins from legumes, fish such as salmon, and plenty of vitamin C help build collagen, which speeds tendon repair.

For more information on staying active and avoiding injuries, check out my book "The RealAge Workout."