Which term describes inflammation of a tendon?

• A. Myositis
• B. Myalgia
• C. Tendinitis
• D. Tendinopathy

Answer: (C)

Inflammation of a tendon is described as tendinitis. The tendon is the tissue that connects muscle to bone, and when it becomes inflamed, you typically feel pain and tenderness near the joint, especially with movement or when the muscle is resisted. The term’s ending, -itis, signals inflammation, which is exactly what characterizes tendinitis.

The other terms refer to different ideas. Myositis means inflammation of muscle tissue, not the tendon. Myalgia means muscle pain without specifying inflammation. Tendinopathy is a broader term for tendon disorders that can include degeneration or chronic pain and doesn’t necessarily indicate active inflammation. In acute cases or overuse injuries where inflammation is present, tendinitis is the most precise description.