👉 Tenonitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the soft tissues of the ear, specifically the malleocutaneous ligament. It can be caused by an injury to the soft tissue around the malleocutaneous ligament, which connects the ear to the skull. The symptoms of tenonitis include pain or discomfort in the ear, such as a popping sound when you rub your ear, and swelling in the area. If left untreated, tenonitis can lead to