An apparatus and method for preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinitis is provided. The apparatus includes a first pad made of a resilient material that is configured to be carried by a digit of the user. The first pad has a palmar face and an oppositely disposed dorsal face that define a thickness therebetween. The thickness of the first pad is selected in order to prevent the digit of the user from fully bending so that impact forces transmitted through the digit are dampened as the muscle pulling on the digit is not completely tight.