Medically reviewed by Dr James Bristol, MD, PhD · Updated 2026-11-14
Tendon problems differ by location, but share one rule: tendons need the right load to heal.
| Problem | Typical pain |
|---|---|
| Achilles tendonitis | Back of the heel, worse in the morning |
| Plantar fasciitis | Under the heel, first steps in the morning |
| Tennis elbow | Outer elbow, gripping |
| Frozen shoulder | Stiff, painful shoulder in all directions |
| Rotator cuff tear | Pain lifting the arm, night pain |
| Jumper's knee | Below the kneecap, jumping and squats |
| Gluteal tendinopathy | Outer hip, lying on that side |