 [ Symptoms ] how do you get tendinitis [ Disease ] tendonitis is usually caused by overuse of a muscle group or joint repeated sliding of the tendon during heavy use especially when a person is unaccustomed to it can result in irritation causing pain in and around the tendon “tennis elbow ” or lateral epicondylitis is an example of tendonitis resulting from overuse or strain other sports activities e g golf and chores house painting can cause tendonitis too for some people with tendonitis no repetitive activity can be blamed as a cause wear and tear from aging probably plays a role in these cases of tendonitis using proper swing mechanics in tennis and golf and trying not to overdo it when starting a new activity are the best ways to avoid tendonitis should i get an xray to determine whether i have a tendinitis or fracture round my knee