Tendinitis is a condition that involves painful inflammation of tendons and surrounding ligaments in the knee, elbow, wrist, hip or ankle. It can be caused by overuse of particular joints, undertraining or poor form during athletic activity, falling, lifting heavy objects or trauma. Tendinitis is often treated with ice packs, rest, massage therapy, and flexibility and strengthening exercises.Foods That Help TendinitisVitamin C-Rich FoodsVitamin C is an essential, water soluble vitamin the body can't produce on its own. Regular intake of vitamin C may help reduce inflammation and enhance the body's ability to heal from tendinitis.To help alleviate joint pain and swelling, incorporate vitamin C-rich foods into your diet on a regular, consistent basis. Such foods include papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, oranges, grapefruit, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cantaloupe, kiwi, cauliflower, tomatoes and kale.Whole GrainsWhole grains offer an array of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants—nutrients that support the body's ability to heal and resist infection.Seek a variety of whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, bulgur, spelt, whole wheat and rye routinely to reap optimum results. Switch from enriched pasta and white rice to whole-grain varieties and opt for 100 percent whole-grain bread rather than enriched white or wheat bread.Omega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-3 fatty acids are essential fats found in fatty fish, canola oil, walnuts, walnut oil, flaxseed and flaxseed oil. Since the body cannot produce omega-3 fats on its own, we must rely on dietary sources.omega-3 fats help reduce inflammation. Since saturated fats, such as those found in high-fat dairy and meat products, can increase inflammation as well as risk for heart and other diseases, omega-3 fats serve as a healthy alternative. Since fats are dense in calories, and healthy weight management can help prevent tendinitis, adhere to modest portion sizes.Foods To Avoid For TendinitisFatty Meats and Dairy ProductsHigh-fat meats and dairy products are valuable sources of nutrients, such as protein. They're also leading providers of saturated fat, however, which increases bodily inflammation, making tendinitis pain.To cut back on saturated fat, replace fatty meats, such as lamb, steak and skin-on poultry with leaner options, such as skinless chicken breasts, beans and fish. The omega-3 fats in oily fish seem to gradually lower inflammatory chemicals your body makes. For less saturated fat from dairy products, choose low-fat milk and yogurt over whole milk and ice cream.Refined GrainsRefined grains have a high glycemic index, or impact on your blood sugar, they can also trigger inflammation. To benefit from fiber and cut back on refined grains, swap out white bread, pretzels and low-fiber cereals in your diet with whole grains, such as quinoa, popcorn and oatmeal.Sugary TreatsOverfeeding your sweet tooth can worsen bursitis and tendinitis pain similarly to refined grains -- due to their high glycemic index. Replace sugary items, such as candy, soft drinks and frosted baked goods, with fresh fruit, fruit smoothies and baked sweet potatoes. Add pineapple to your smoothies for bromelain, a chemical that reduces inflammation.Partially Hydrogenated OilsPartially hydrogenated oils is another term for trans fats -- unhealthy, inflammatory fats found in many processed foods. In addition to increasing pain and swelling associated with tendinitis , they can seriously damage cardiovascular health. Trans fats should account for less than 1 percent of your daily calories, Avoid foods that list partially hydrogenated oils as ingredients. Common sources include stick margarine, shortening and commercially made pizza dough, pastries, pie crust, cookies and crackers. Eat healthy fat sources instead, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds.