What is Tendonitis?
The definition of tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. Tendons attach muscles to bone. The condition occurs most often around shoulders, elbows and knees. It can also occur in the hips, heels and wrists. Common names for tendonitis are:
Tennis elbow
Golfer"s elbow
Pitcher"s shoulder
Swimmer"s shoulder
Jumper"s knee
Sometimes tendonitis becomes so severe it leads to a rupture of a tendon which needs surgical repair. Most often, however, rest and medications to reduce the pain and inflammation of tendonitis are the only treatments you need.
Tendonitis Symptoms:
Pain
Tenderness
Mild swelling (in some cases)
What causes tendonitis? The most common cause of tendonitis is injury or overuse during work or play. The pain is usually because of a small tear in or inflammation of the tendon that links your muscles to your bone. It is also associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
How can you prevent tendonitis?
Avoid activities that place excessive stress on your tendons for prolonged periods of time. If you notice pain during a particular exercise, stop and rest, or slow down.
If one exercise or activity causes you a particular persistent pain, try something else.
Improve your technique
Stretch first and stretch afterwards
Strengthening exercises may help prevent further occurrences of tendonitis.
Treatment for tendonitis:
Most cases of tendonitis are treated at home with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation. Other treatments include:
Corticosteroid injections
Strengthening exercises and physical therapy
Surgery
At home treatment includes:
Protection: You might need to use elastic wraps, slings, splints, crutches or canes to immobilize the affected area and encourage healing
Rest: Avoid activities that increase the pain or swelling. Rest is essential to tissue healing, but you do not need complete bed rest. Do other activities and exercises that do not stress the injured tendon.
Ice: Ice packs applied for up to 20 minutes several times a day helps to decrease pain, muscle spasm and swelling.
Compression: Wraps or compressive elastic bandages (Ace) are best.
Elevation: If you have tendonitis around the ankles or knees, raise the affected leg or legs above the level of your heart to help reduce the swelling, especially at night.
Rest is an important part to the healing process; however, prolonged inactivity can cause stiffness in your joints.
When should you see a doctor? If you experience pain that interferes with your normal day-to-day activities or have soreness that does not improve despite self-care treatment, then see your doctor. He or she may have other suggestions to help reduce your discomfort or the doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the problem. If you have a fever or the area looks red or inflamed you may have infection and you would need to see a doctor.
Most cases of tendonitis do not require a doctor"s care.
Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 3-2007.
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