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Tendinitis and Your Genes: What FCRL3 Means for Tendon Health

Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons, the strong cords that attach muscle to bone. It commonly results from overuse, repetitive motion, or sudden injury. Untreated, it can become chronic, causing scarring, tendon weakening, and ongoing pain or loss of function. One factor that can influence how your body responds to tendon stress is genetics. Variations in the FCRL3 gene can affect immune system regulation and inflammatory responses, which may change your susceptibility to tendinopathies.

How FCRL3 Affects Inflammation and Tendons

The FCRL3 gene makes a protein involved in regulating immune cell activity and inflammation. Tendinitis is an inflammatory condition, so differences in how the immune system turns inflammation on and off can influence severity and recovery. Certain variants of FCRL3 have been linked to a tendency for stronger or more prolonged inflammatory responses in tendons. That may mean a higher chance of developing chronic tendon conditions or slower healing after injury.

Everyday Steps to Protect Your Tendons

Regardless of your FCRL3 genotype, there are practical steps you can take to reduce tendon risk and support recovery. These habits lower inflammation, improve tissue repair, and reduce mechanical strain on tendons.

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory diet: Emphasize whole fruits and vegetables, colorful leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Include sources of omega-3 fats such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, chia, and flax. Limit ultra-processed foods, excess added sugars, and high-inflammatory fats.
  • Prioritize protein and collagen-supporting nutrients: Adequate protein supports tendon repair. Include lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs, dairy or fortified plant proteins. Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation; eat citrus, bell peppers, strawberries, and cruciferous vegetables.
  • Stay hydrated: Tendon tissue benefits from good hydration for nutrient delivery and flexibility.
  • Exercise smart: Warm up thoroughly before activity, progress loading gradually, and use eccentric strengthening exercises for tendon rehabilitation. Cross-train to avoid repetitive overload of a single tendon.
  • Rest and recovery: Balance activity with adequate rest, prioritize sleep, and address pain early rather than pushing through persistent tendon pain.
  • Maintain healthy weight and posture: Excess weight increases mechanical load on tendons; good posture and ergonomics reduce repetitive strain.
  • Address contributing factors: Tight muscles, poor footwear, altered biomechanics, and certain medications can increase tendon risk—work with a clinician or physical therapist to identify and correct these.

Supplement Considerations

Supplements can be helpful when used appropriately but are not a substitute for medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

  • Vitamin C: Supports collagen synthesis and tendon repair.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory effects that may help blunt excessive inflammation.
  • Collagen peptides: May support tendon structure when paired with resistance training and vitamin C.
  • Magnesium: Helps muscle relaxation and may support recovery; consider dietary sources first.
  • Turmeric/curcumin: May reduce inflammation for some people. Choose formulations with enhanced absorption if used.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles (GG) — Increased tendinitis risk

If your genotype at rs7528684 is GG, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a higher likelihood of developing tendinopathies. The FCRL3 variant can alter immune regulation so your inflammatory response to tendon stress or injury may be stronger or more persistent. That could increase the chance of chronic tendon pain or slower recovery.

Actionable steps:

  • Adopt a targeted anti-inflammatory eating plan emphasizing omega-3s, colorful produce, and lean protein.
  • Include vitamin C–rich foods and consider collagen supplementation in coordination with progressive loading exercises.
  • Prioritize structured warm-ups, gradual increases in training intensity, eccentric strengthening for vulnerable tendons, and adequate rest between sessions.
  • Work with a physical therapist if you have recurring tendon pain to address mechanics, mobility, and strength imbalances.
  • Monitor recovery closely and consult your healthcare provider early if pain persists or worsens.
1 effect allele (AG) — Likely increased tendinitis risk

If your genotype at rs7528684 is AG, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk of tendinopathies compared with the non-effect genotype. Carriers may be somewhat more prone to initiating or sustaining tendon inflammation following repetitive stress or injury.

Actionable steps:

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory diet and ensure adequate protein and vitamin C to support tendon repair.
  • Incorporate omega-3 rich foods and consider supplements after discussing with your provider.
  • Use progressive training plans, proper warm-ups, and targeted tendon-strengthening exercises to build resilience.
  • Address ergonomics, footwear, and movement patterns that put repetitive strain on tendons.
  • Seek early physical therapy guidance for persistent or recurrent tendon pain.
0 effect alleles (AA) — Typical tendinitis risk

If your genotype at rs7528684 is AA, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and indicates a typical genetic tendency for tendon inflammation related to this marker. Your FCRL3-related immune regulation is not expected to increase tendinopathy risk based on this variant.

Actionable steps:

  • Maintain general tendon-protective habits: anti-inflammatory eating, adequate protein and vitamin C, hydration, and progressive training.
  • Continue injury prevention strategies such as proper warm-up, cross-training, and attention to mechanics.
  • Address lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and weight that influence inflammation and recovery.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent tendon pain, reduced function, swelling that does not improve with rest, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities. A clinician can evaluate for tear, degeneration, or other causes, and recommend imaging, targeted rehabilitation, injections, or other treatments when appropriate.

PlexusDx provides education about genetic predispositions only. This information is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Always discuss genetic results, health concerns, and treatment decisions with your healthcare provider to create a plan tailored to your needs.