Effective Tendonitis Treatments
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Tackling Tendonitis: Comprehensive Treatment Guide
Welcome to joionline.net, your reliable guide on tendonitis treatments. Living with the pain and inflammation of tendonitis can be difficult, but you’re not alone. This article provides valuable information on understanding tendonitis, various effective tendonitis treatments, preventive strategies, and useful tips to cope with this condition.
What is Tendonitis?
The quick answer is tendonitis is the irritation or inflammation of a tendon. A tendon is the thick fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to bone. With repetitive movements, a the tendon can get micro tears which can cause inflammation and irritation.
Dr. Kamal Bohsali states “Tendonitis is a general term that we use for inflammation of the tendon of a muscle. In the shoulder, this involves inflammation of the rotator cuff tendon. Tendonitis is usually a result of repetitive overhead activities of the shoulder.
This may be due to a new exercise regimen or a work-related obligation. The initial management of this problem, assuming normal x-rays, is activity modification, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, ice, and physical therapy. Sometimes cortisone injections may be used to reduce the inflammation associated with tendonitis. Tendinitis can be acute or long-standing (chronic).
Tendonitis
Tendonitis, characterized by inflammation or irritation of tendons, is a common ailment. Tendons are robust tissue bands that anchor muscles to bones, enabling movement and stability. Overuse or repetitive movements can cause small tears and inflammation in these tendons, leading to tendonitis. Specific types of tendonitis include Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, and wrist tendonitis.
Several factors contribute to tendonitis, including overuse, poor posture, improper physical activity techniques, and inadequate warm-up or cool-down routines. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, as well as age, can also increase the risk of developing tendonitis and requiring tendonitis treatments.
Recognizing tendonitis symptoms is vital for timely diagnosis and treatment. These symptoms typically include pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, aching, or persistent dull pain that worsens with movement. In some instances, a visible lump or thickening of the tendon may be evident. These symptoms could indicate the need for Achilles tendonitis treatment, elbow tendonitis treatment, or other specific tendonitis treatments.
If you suspect tendonitis, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can diagnose the condition through a physical examination, symptom history, and, if necessary, imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
Calcific Tendonitis
Calcific tendonitis is one type of inflammatory process of the rotator cuff tendon. It involves calcium formation within the tendon. It is uncommon for people to require surgery to address tendinitis of the rotator cuff. Dr. Kamal I. Bohsali, is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon. He has special interests in the management of pathologic conditions of the shoulder and elbow.
Tendonitis is most common in:
- shoulders
- wrists
- knees
- heels (Achilles Tendonitis)
- elbows
Image of Rock Tape for Tendonitis
Some examples of tendonitis are:
- tennis elbow
- golfer’s elbow
- pitcher’s shoulder
- swimmer’s shoulder
- jumper’s knee or Tendonitis of the Knee
- Achilles Tendonitis.
If you want to learn more about shoulder tendonitis, go to Tendonitis of the Shoulder.
If you want to learn more about shoulder pains, go to: Shoulder Pains.
Causes of Tendonitis
Repetitive movement is the most common cause of tendonitis. Often times, someone’s job or hobby will require the same motion over and over again. This can aggravate the tendon causing tendonitis. Tendonitis can occur with sudden movements or injuries. This is not as common with a comparison to repetitive movements.
To avoid tendonitis, it is very important to have the proper form with sports, hobbies and work. Loading the tendon repetitively with poor form is a common cause of tendonitis.
Common causes are:
- Gardening
- Raking
- Cleaning
- Tennis
- Golf
- Skiing
- Shoveling
- Carpentry
- Throwing
- Running
- Golf
- Bowling
Tendonitis is most common in adults over the age of 40. As we age, our tendons become less elastic. Therefore, tendonitis will become more of an issue as we age.
Effective Remedies for Tendonitis
Various treatments can alleviate tendonitis symptoms and promote healing, including conservative measures, physical therapy, and medications or injections. These tendonitis treatments are often specialized, such as Achilles tendinopathy treatment, patellar tendonitis treatment, or wrist tendonitis treatment.
Conservative treatments, often the first line of defense against tendonitis, focus on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting tendon healing. These treatments are pivotal in managing conditions like Achilles tendinitis treatment or elbow tendonitis treatment.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in tendonitis treatments. A physical therapist can guide you through specialized exercises designed to target the affected tendon and surrounding muscles, enhancing flexibility, strength, and range of motion while reducing tendon stress. This applies to Achilles tendonitis treatment, peroneal tendonitis treatment, and other types of tendonitis.
Medications or injections can also alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help, while corticosteroid injections may offer temporary relief. For some patients, these options can serve as effective Achilles tendinitis treatment or wrist tendonitis treatment.
Consult an orthopedic physician to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your tendonitis, based on the severity and location of your condition. Consistency in following their advice and the treatment plan is key to achieving the best results.
Tendonitis Treatments
Physical Therapy for Tendonitis
Specific stretching and strengthening exercises may benefit you for tendonitis. The goal is to decrease your pain and return to normal function. Physical therapy may focus on eccentric exercises, which has been proven to help decrease pain from tendonitis. With tendonitis treatments, the focus is to strengthen the irritated muscle while it is lengthening. Physical therapy is very effective in treating tendonitis. It can also help prevent this issue from coming back. JOI Rehab has several highly trained physical and occupational specialists in Jacksonville. They work with our orthopedic physicians with protocols to get rid of your tendonitis for good! To schedule an appointment with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
Splints by JOI Rehab
Braces and Splints
Braces and splints can allow the tendon to heal and help avoid demanding activities. Often times, these will be worn at work to decrease pain. The brace may decrease the stress and demand on the tendon/muscle. These tendonitis treatments are very effective in allowing rest and time to heal.
Medications for Tendonitis
Over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help reduce some of the pain associated with tendonitis. Please consult with your physician before taking any new medication.
Injections for Tendonitis
Corticosteroid injections are common because they work quickly and decrease inflammation and pain. There are other injections that may also be helpful. PRP is another option but is usually not covered by your insurance plan.
R.I.C.E.
- R – rest
- I – ice
- C – compression
- E – elevation
Image of a dog resting
Taking some time off from the activity which causes the condition is very important. If you have tennis elbow, you need to stop playing tennis to allow the tendon to heal. Ice, compression, and elevation can help to decrease inflammation and swelling.
Other Tendonitis Treatments
Laser: JOI Rehab has 3 locations which offer laser treatments to help with tendonitis. The Graston Technique is also very effective. Graston is the use of tools that provide soft tissue mobilization.
Surgery: Surgery may be an option if your tendon has torn away from the bone. You certainly should seek out the advice of an orthopedic surgeon.
Dry needling: This is the use of a needle (like acupuncture) to put tiny holes in the tendon. The goal is to at decrease the pain and stimulate healing. JOI offers this service at 3 locations.
Preventing Tendonitis
Prevention is better than cure, especially for painful conditions like tendonitis that can impact your daily life. Here are some steps you can take to prevent tendonitis and avoid the need for tendonitis treatments such as Achilles tendinopathy treatment or elbow tendonitis treatment:
Warming up and stretching before any physical activity is critical to prevent tendonitis. Light aerobic exercises such as jogging or cycling, followed by dynamic stretches targeting the muscles and tendons involved in your activity, can prepare them for movement and reduce the risk of injury.
Ergonomic adjustments in your daily life can also help prevent tendonitis. Ergonomics aims to minimize body strain by optimizing your interaction with your environment. For instance, if your job involves long hours of typing, an ergonomically designed workstation with an adjustable chair, proper keyboard, mouse placement, and wrist supports can prevent the need for tendinitis of wrist treatments.
Incorporating these preventive measures into your routine can significantly reduce the risk of tendonitis and ensure a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Prevention Tips
- Keep your muscles strong.
Strengthening the muscles you are going to use repetitively, depending on your hobby, work, or sport, can help allow the muscles to tolerate loads and decrease risk of tendonitis.
- Stretch
Stretch after your exercise to improve tissue mobility and flexibility.
Hip Flexor Stretch
- Rest
Stop and rest if you feel a certain activity is causing pain or aggravating your symptoms.
Coping with Tendonitis
Living with tendonitis can be challenging. Here are some strategies to manage the condition effectively and minimize the need for tendonitis treatments such as Achilles tendonitis treatment or patellar tendonitis treatment:
1. Pain Management: Reducing pain and discomfort is a vital part of managing tendonitis. This can be achieved through rest, ice pack application, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding activities or movements that exacerbate the condition can make a significant difference. For example, if you have wrist tendonitis, avoid repetitive tasks straining the joint. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce strain on your tendons.
3. Support Tools: Ergonomic tools and equipment can help reduce strain on tendons and joints. Wearing braces or supports can provide additional stability. Consult with your physician for personalized advice and suitable resources, whether for Achilles tendinitis treatment or peroneal tendonitis treatment.
By implementing these strategies and utilizing available resources, you can effectively manage tendonitis and enhance your quality of life.
By: Ehren Allen PT/Certified Manual Therapist
JOI is here to help!
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a JOI Orthopaedic Specialist, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online or click below. JOI is Northeast Florida’s most respected orthopedic practice.
