What does muscle soreness after exercise feel like with tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy affects a tendon, the strong tissue joining muscle to bone. Pain is commonly felt at a tendon attachment or along the tendon rather than throughout the whole muscle. It may start as discomfort during a particular task, such as running, jumping, gripping or lifting, and remain sore afterwards. Stiffness after rest and tenderness when the area is pressed can occur. As symptoms continue, ordinary loads may become harder to tolerate. Location, activity pattern and strength changes help a clinician distinguish tendon pain from other causes.

Reduce the task that provokes pain, but keep comfortable movement rather than resting completely. A gradual strengthening plan is often used after assessment, with the load adjusted to your symptoms and function. Avoid sudden increases in training, repeated painful stretching and returning to full intensity in one step. Note which activity triggers symptoms, how long soreness lasts, and whether strength or movement is changing. Seek assessment when pain keeps returning or limits work, sport or daily tasks.

Arrange prompt care for a sudden snap, a visible gap or change in shape, rapid swelling, major bruising, or sudden loss of strength. Urgent advice is needed for a cold or pale limb, new numbness, severe pain, or inability to bear weight or use the limb.

Ask which tendon and movement are involved, how to adjust training, and whether a progressive strengthening programme is appropriate. Ask how to judge an acceptable exercise response and when imaging or review is needed.