Rheumatoid arthritis: It boosts risk of painful condition sometimes triggered by GARDENING

Along with gout and blood or kidney diseases, having the common arthritic condition means you’re more likely to suffer.

However, tendonitis is more specifically caused by performing the same repetitive action over and over again, such as doing painting, playing tennis and gardening.

It can also be triggered by a sudden, serious injury.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the inflammation of a tendon can affect virtually any area where a tendon connects a bone to a muscle.

The most common target areas include the base of the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and Achilles tendon.

Pain at the side of the affected tendon – or the surrounding area – is the most common symptom.

The Cleveland Clinic explain that it can build up gradually or happen suddenly and severely.

Additionally, loss of motion in the shoulder – more commonly known as ‘frozen shoulder’ – may be another sign.

Tendonitis can happen to anyone, meaning knowing how to avoid it is important to be aware of.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these include, avoiding staying in the same position for long periods, performing proper posture, not using one hand to carry heavy objects, avoiding sitting with your leg folded under and stopping any activity if you feel pain.

Additionally, if exercising is bringing on the problem, ensure you stretch beforehand and wear correctly-sized clothes, shoes and equipment.

If you do suffer, you my not need to see your doctor immediately.

Instead, avoid activities that aggravate the problem, rest and ice the injured area, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.

If this doesn’t help, see your doctor who may prescribe treatments such as steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery.

Over one million people in the UK currently suffer from tendon problems.

Other types of tendon injury are tendinopathy, tenosynovitis and tendon rupture.