Tendonitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the strong, fibrous cords connecting muscle to bone. This inflammation can lead to swelling, pain, and discomfort in the affected area. Tingling is a sensation described as pins and needles, numbness, or prickling. While tendonitis primarily involves the tendon itself, there can be a connection between the condition and the experience of tingling sensations.
Tendonitis and Nerve Compression
Tendonitis can indirectly cause tingling sensations through nerve compression. When a tendon becomes inflamed or swollen, it can exert pressure on nearby nerves. This pressure or irritation can manifest as tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the affected area. The tingling is a secondary effect of the inflammation and swelling, not a direct symptom of tendon inflammation.
This occurs where tendons and nerves are in close proximity within confined spaces. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome often involves compression of the median nerve. Inflammation of tendons in the carpal tunnel can contribute to this nerve compression, leading to tingling and numbness in the hand and fingers. Similarly, cubital tunnel syndrome at the elbow, or other joints with narrow pathways, can result in nerve irritation and tingling due to inflamed tendons.
Other Causes of Tingling
Tingling can arise from various underlying conditions beyond tendonitis. One category is nerve entrapment syndromes, where a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues, not necessarily due to tendon inflammation. Examples include sciatica, where the sciatic nerve in the lower back is compressed, often by a herniated disc, leading to tingling in the leg and foot. Other nerve entrapments can occur in different parts of the body, such as the radial nerve in the elbow or suprascapular nerve in the shoulder.
Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to tingling. A lack of certain B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, can lead to nerve damage and symptoms like persistent tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. Deficiencies in other B vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals like copper, calcium, and magnesium are also linked to peripheral neuropathy, which can cause tingling.
Systemic medical conditions often present with tingling. Diabetes, for example, can cause diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that often results in tingling and numbness, especially in the feet and legs. Other conditions like multiple sclerosis, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases can also cause paresthesia.
Certain medications can induce tingling as a side effect. Chemotherapy drugs are a known cause of drug-induced peripheral neuropathy, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain. Other medications, including some antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, and anticonvulsants, can also cause tingling. Additionally, temporary causes like prolonged pressure on a nerve (e.g., sitting with crossed legs) can restrict blood flow, resulting in a transient “pins and needles” feeling that resolves once pressure is relieved.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if tingling is persistent, worsens over time, or begins to spread. Medical attention is important if tingling is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as muscle weakness, severe pain, or a loss of sensation. Difficulty with daily activities due to tingling, or if it occurs suddenly after an injury, also warrants prompt medical evaluation.
A doctor can perform a physical examination to assess the nature and distribution of the tingling. To identify the underlying cause, diagnostic tests may be ordered. These can include imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to check for nerve compression or other structural issues, and nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to measure nerve function and muscle electrical activity. Accurate diagnosis is important to rule out serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.