Tendonitis – What Are the Symptoms and Treatments of Tendonitis?
Whether you are suffering from pain, or you are just concerned about your health, it’s important to understand your options for treating tendonitis. It is possible to find treatment for your pain and prevent future problems.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. The condition is often caused by overuse or repetitive motion, which wears down tendons. However, it can be triggered by infection, arthritis, and even obesity.
While tendonitis is relatively common, it can still be painful and can affect your daily activities. Fortunately, the condition is treatable. Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor may recommend rest, ice, physical therapy, and even surgery.
Tendons are fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. They provide flexibility and strength for joints. Usually, a physician will perform a physical exam to assess the injured tendon. If the condition is severe, the tendon might need to be surgically repaired.
A doctor might also recommend taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation. X-rays and MRI scans are sometimes used to diagnose the condition. They can show the shape and size of the bone as well as the tendons.
Another treatment option is to use heat or ice to help decrease the swelling. While heat or ice can be applied at home, it is better to seek medical attention if the pain continues. The doctor might order blood tests to rule out an infection or other health problems.
If the symptoms of tendonitis are severe, the doctor might suggest a corticosteroid injection to relieve the pain. The medication will work quickly to lower inflammation.
Some of the symptoms of tendonitis are redness, swelling, and warmth. They are usually temporary and get better with rest. Those who are prone to the condition should try to avoid overuse. They should also warm up before working out and cool down after.
Other signs of tendonitis are creaking sounds when a tendon is moved. This is due to the thickening of the tendon sheath. A physical therapist can also assist in strengthening the muscles around the joint. They can help you develop the correct stretching and mechanics for your particular activity.
A physical therapist can also teach you how to modify your posture and form. This can improve your overall mobility and prevent the condition from returning in the future.
Diagnosis
Typically, the diagnosis of tendonitis is based on a physical examination of the affected joint. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may request an x-ray or an MRI scan. If the condition is severe, surgery may be necessary to repair the tendon.
Sometimes, a doctor will order a physical therapy appointment to help strengthen the tendon. In some cases, the doctor will also recommend a corticosteroid injection to decrease inflammation.
The doctor will also ask you questions about your pain. This is so they can rule out other conditions.
The doctor may also suggest NSAID cream or gel on the skin to ease the pain. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection will be administered directly to the area of inflammation. This treatment can reduce the pain while the joint is resting.
In addition, physical therapy can also be helpful to improve the flexibility and strength of the tendon. A therapist can recommend proper stretching techniques, as well as biomechanics modifications.
Repetitive movements, such as in sports or hobbies, are known to cause tendonitis. Proper posture can also help decrease the risk. In some instances, the injury will be a result of trauma to the tendon.
If your symptoms do not improve, you may need to visit a physical therapist or a hand therapist. The therapist will work with you to create a plan to help you live a pain-free life.
Repetitive movements such as lifting, bending, or twisting can cause tendon injuries. The most common tendon injuries occur in the elbows, wrists, and shoulders. Repetitive strain injuries are especially common among people who participate in sports or hobbies.
In some cases, a patient may need to change their recreational activities. They may also need to see a rheumatologist. If the tendonitis is serious, it may require surgery to repair the tendon.
Patients with chronic tendonitis often lose strength in the joints associated with the problem. The treatment for these cases is to reduce inflammation and restore function. The best way to do this is to avoid aggravating movements.
If you suspect you have a tendon injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Never delay seeking medical care because of the information found on this site.
Treatment options
Whether you’ve recently been injured or have had tendonitis for a long time, there are several treatment options that may be able to help you. The main goal of any treatment is to help reduce inflammation. These treatments can involve using over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and surgical procedures.
A doctor may recommend a splint or brace to help relieve pain and prevent further strain. This can be used to protect the injured tendons when you return to activity.
If your symptoms persist, you may be referred to a physical therapist. These experts specialized in treating tendonitis. Your therapist can prescribe stretches and exercises to help you alleviate the pain. They can also help you strengthen the surrounding muscles. These treatments can be very effective.
For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision to examine the damaged tendon. Then, the surgeon repairs the injured tendons with stitches. If the tendons are permanently damaged, the surgeon may remove pieces of the tendons.
Physical therapy is one of the most popular treatments for tendonitis. It can improve the flexibility and strength of the injured tendon. It can also improve blood flow to the affected area. It can also be very effective at preventing the recurrence of tendonitis.
Ultrasound and MRI scans can help determine the extent of the injury. These tests can also show if there is calcium buildup around the affected tendons. This can be a warning sign of a future tendon rupture.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be a good way to treat tendonitis. These medications can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin. Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may recommend stronger painkillers to alleviate the symptoms.
Another method of treating tendonitis involves ice and heat. These treatments can be very effective at reducing pain and swelling. Applying ice for fifteen to twenty minutes can help. The best time to use these types of treatments is right after an injury.
A physical therapist can also provide exercises and injections to treat the painful condition. They can also offer a range of stretching techniques and biomechanical changes to strengthen the muscles that surround the tendon.
Prevention
Fortunately, tendonitis can be prevented. In most cases, a simple warm-up and stretching are all it takes to avoid a strained or injured tendon. However, if you do have a tendonitis injury, it is important to consult a physician for treatment.
A doctor may order X-rays or imaging tests to examine the area. These tests can show if the bone has been injured and if there are calcium deposits around the tendon. If a doctor suspects that the area has been damaged, he or she might prescribe a corticosteroid injection. These drugs can help decrease inflammation and pain.
In severe cases of tendonitis, a doctor might suggest physical therapy or surgery. Surgery can repair a ruptured tendon or remove damaged tissue. If a patient is unable to tolerate the side effects of a corticosteroid injection, he or she might need to undergo shock wave therapy.
Resting and icing are also good ways to treat a tendonitis injury. A bandage, such as a tube or elastic one, can be placed on the affected area to support it and keep it from moving. A cold compress or a hot towel can be used as well. If you have to use ice, wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can also help relieve pain. These medicines can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin. A pharmacist can recommend the best painkiller for you.
A warm-up and cool-down are also very important for preventing tendonitis. During a workout, people should first warm up the muscles and stretch them. This can prevent muscle strain or injury. A therapist or sports coach can offer guidance on proper technique.
In severe cases, a doctor might prescribe a corticosteroid, which is a drug that reduces inflammation. A corticosteroid can be delivered by sterile needle injection, an ultrasound, or through the overlying skin.
If the tendonitis is not responsive to these treatments, the doctor might order an MRI or X-ray to check the condition of the tendon. This will allow the doctor to see the soft tissues surrounding the tendon and the extent of the damage. A doctor might also order blood tests to check for other causes of inflammation.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
