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Patient Questions  /  Arthritis or tendonitis?

Bone Health & Surgery

Is My Joint Pain Arthritis or Tendonitis?

There are clues. Arthritis pain is usually felt deep in the joint, comes on gradually, and causes stiffness after rest. Tendon pain is usually in a specific spot near the joint, often starts after a change in activity, and hurts when you use a certain muscle. You can have both, and both often improve with the right kind of exercise.

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Clues that point to osteoarthritis

  • A deep ache in the joint itself, like the knee, hip, thumb base or big toe.
  • Stiffness after sitting or first thing in the morning that loosens within about half an hour.
  • Grinding, mild swelling, or less motion than you used to have.
  • Slow change over months to years, with good days and bad days.

Clues that point to tendon pain

  • Pain in one spot, often where a tendon attaches to bone, that is tender to press.
  • It started after a new activity, a jump in exercise or repeated work.
  • It hurts when you use a certain muscle against resistance, like gripping, pushing off or lifting your arm.
  • It may warm up and ease during activity, then hurt more later or the next morning.

Tendon problems that last are now often called tendinopathy, because they usually involve overload more than inflammation.

Why the difference matters

Tendons usually respond to gradually increasing load. Arthritis responds well to joint-friendly strengthening and staying active. X-rays can show arthritis, but many people have X-ray changes without pain, so an exam that looks at how your pain behaves is often more useful.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with fever or chills: get care the same day
  • Several swollen, stiff joints, or morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour
  • A sudden pop or snap followed by weakness
  • Severe pain and swelling that came on overnight, such as in the big toe
  • Joint pain after a fall, or a joint that looks out of place

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can examine the joint and the tendons around it to tell which is driving your pain, then match your exercise plan to the problem. Many people with either condition move better and hurt less with a well-paced program.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Osteoarthritis and joint pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026