Tendonitis Claims

Updated July 2026

Tendonitis is a form of repetitive strain injury (RSI) that occurs when the tendons become inflamed. It is also regarded as a workplace musculoskeletal injury, yet it is often overlooked until the pain becomes severe enough to affect your working life. If your tendonitis developed because your employer failed to protect you, you may be entitled to compensation. So, if you think you may be able to make a claim, talk to us about a tendonitis claim.

You could be entitled to make a claim for compensation if your duties at work involve repetitive movement resulting in tendonitis. Call our experts on 0333 358 3034 to make a confidential enquiry.

What Is Tendonitis in the Workplace?

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, which can be caused by caused by repetitive strain, overuse, awkward posture, or sudden force. In a workplace setting, tendonitis typically affects the:

• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Wrists
• Knees
• Achilles tendon

Workers in physically demanding roles, repetitive manual jobs, or positions requiring prolonged static posture are particularly vulnerable.

Tendonitis can develop gradually, making it easy to ignore early symptoms until the condition becomes debilitating. The NHS advises to see a GP if your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks.

Regular breaks should be provided to employees whose activities are characterised by regular, repetitive and forceful hand/arm movements. Another appropriate arrangement is a rotation system to reduce the load on a single person throughout the working day.

If you have not received this treatment then your employer may have been negligent in their obligations to you. The impact of this can carry long-term consequences for you and your colleagues. You may be able to claim compensation if you have developed tendonitis as a result of working conditions.

How Exactly Does Tendonitis Happen at Work?

Work‑related tendonitis usually stems from:

• Repetitive movements performed for long periods
• Poor workstation ergonomics
• Heavy lifting without proper technique or equipment
• Awkward or sustained postures
• High‑force tasks without adequate rest
• Vibrating tools or machinery
• Sudden overload due to understaffing or unrealistic workloads

If your job exposes you to these risks and your employer failed to manage them, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Treatment for tendonitis

You should consult your GP if you’re suffering from a lot of pain or have symptoms that don’t heal or improve within a few weeks. Strong painkillers or a topical cream/gel may be available on prescription and could help to ease the swelling in your tendon.

Severe or long-term tendonitis may necessitate steroid injections or physiotherapy. If your tendonitis claim is successful we can assist you in recovering the cost of private physiotherapy sessions. In some very serious cases, patients may have to undergo surgery in order to remove damaged tissue or mend a ruptured tendon.

Employer Negligence in Tendonitis Claims

Employer negligence is central to tendonitis compensation claims. This means for your claim to succeed; you must show that your employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect you from foreseeable harm.

Examples of Employer Negligence:

• Lack of ergonomic assessment: No evaluation of your workstation, tools, or working posture.
• Failure to provide proper equipment: No adjustable seating, lifting aids, anti‑vibration tools, or supportive PPE.
• Ignoring safe working practices: No rotation of repetitive tasks, no rest breaks, or unrealistic productivity targets.
• Poor training: No instruction on safe lifting, correct posture, or how to avoid repetitive strain.
• Failure to act on reported symptoms: Ignoring early complaints of discomfort or pain.
• Unsafe work design: Requiring workers to perform high‑strain tasks without assistance.
• Inadequate staffing: Forcing employees to work faster or harder than is safe.

If you suspect any of the above contributed to your tendonitis, you may be entitled to start a personal injury claim for compensation.

High‑Risk Jobs for Tendonitis

According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), tendonitis is a reportable condition and any staff member is at an increased risk if developing it when doing physically demanding work. Some roles which carry a higher risk of tendon inflammation due to repetitive strain or physical load may include:

• Warehouse operatives
• Construction workers
• Cleaners
• Manufacturing and assembly line workers
• Carers and healthcare staff
• Delivery drivers
• Hairdressers and beauty professionals
• Office workers with poor workstation ergonomics
• Tradespeople using vibrating tools

How Do You Recognise Work‑Related Tendonitis?

Recognising tendonitis early is crucial and may include:

• Persistent pain around a joint
• Swelling or warmth
• Stiffness, especially after rest
• Weak grip or reduced strength
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks
• Pain that worsens during or after work activities

Top Tip: If your symptoms improve when you’re away from work, this can be a strong indicator that your job is the cause.

How to Prove Tendonitis Was Caused by Work

Recognising that you have tendonitis symptoms is one thing, but to prove it was caused by work negligence is quite another. Essential evidence may include:

• Medical records and diagnosis
• GP notes linking your tendonitis to your job
• Occupational health reports
• Photographs of your workstation or tools
• Witness statements from colleagues
• Records of complaints you made to your employer
• Accident book entries
• Work schedules showing repetitive or high‑strain tasks

Top Tip: A personal injury solicitor can help gather and present this evidence to support your claim.

What Can You Claim Compensation For?

A successful tendonitis claim may typically cover compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Future loss of earnings if your condition affects long‑term work
• Medical treatment and physiotherapy
• Travel costs
• Specialist equipment
• Impact on daily life and hobbies

Compensation will generally reflect the severity of your tendonitis and how it affects your ability to work. Your personal injury lawyer will be able to calculate an estimate for your claim.

5 Easy Steps to Start Your Tendonitis Personal Injury Claim

You can start your claim today by taking these steps:

1. Seek medical attention: Get a diagnosis and follow treatment advice.

2. Report your symptoms to your employer: Ensure it is recorded.

3. Gather evidence: Photos, witness statements, medical notes.

4. Speak to a specialist solicitor: We partner with experienced work injury lawyers who will be able to assess whether you have a claim or not. If so, they will guide you through the process.

5. Begin your claim: Your solicitor will handle all communication with your employer or insurer.

Most tendonitis claims run on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront.

Time Limits for Tendonitis Claims

You usually have three years from:

• The date your symptoms began, or
• The date you first realised your tendonitis was caused by work

If you’re unsure when your time limit started, a solicitor can clarify this for you.

FAQs: Tendonitis Personal Injury Claims

Can I claim if my tendonitis developed gradually? Yes. Most tendonitis cases develop over a period of time. As long as you can show that your job caused or contributed to your condition, you can start your claim.

Do I need to prove my employer was negligent? Yes. You must show they failed to protect you from foreseeable harm, for example through poor training, lack of proper equipment or a poorly managed workflow.

Can I claim if I’m still working for the same employer? Absolutely. Many people claim while still employed. Your employer cannot legally discipline or dismiss you for doing so.

What if my employer denies responsibility? Your solicitor will gather evidence to prove your case, even if your employer disputes it.

Will I need a medical assessment? Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your tendonitis to support your claim.

How We Can Help

If you, or a loved one, has suffered from tendonitis due to employer negligence or unsafe conditions at work, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for compensation.

Our friendly and professional team can help, so talk to us about a confidential assessment to see if you have a valid claim.

Contact us today on 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form.

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer