Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Triage and immediate threats
Immediate threat screen
Suspected tendon rupture
Sudden pop with loss of function
Visible or palpable tendon gap
Inability to bear weight or move against gravity
Suspected infection
Fever or systemic symptoms
Rapidly progressive erythema or swelling
Severe pain out of proportion
Limb ischemia or compartment syndrome
Disproportionate pain
Paresthesia or weakness
Diminished pulses or delayed capillary refill
High-risk medication related tendon injury
Current or recent fluoroquinolone exposure
Systemic corticosteroid exposure
Organ transplant history
Focused stabilization
Immediate actions
If suspected rupture, immobilize in position of function
Achilles suspicion, plantarflexion splinting
Extensor mechanism suspicion, knee immobilizer in extension
If suspected infection, escalation for sepsis pathway
Early IV access and cultures per local protocol
Early antibiotics after cultures when clinically indicated
If neurovascular compromise, urgent orthopedic or vascular consultation
Splinting with frequent neurovascular reassessment
Key concepts
Core concepts
Tendinitis is often degenerative tendinopathy rather than primary inflammation
Pain driven by failed tendon load adaptation and disorganized collagen
Load management and progressive strengthening as mainstay
Rule out rupture and infection early
Function loss favors rupture
Systemic symptoms and rapidly progressive local findings favor infection
Imaging rarely needed for uncomplicated cases
Clinical diagnosis for most overuse tendinopathies
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.