Tendonitis
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis (also known as tendinitis) is inflammation of the tendon—the fibrous cord of tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendonitis frequently occurs in the heels, knees, shoulders, wrists, and elbows.
Tendonitis most often occurs when repetitive motions put excessive stress on the tendons, causing them to become inflamed. Whether a person is participating in sports like skiing or tennis, hobbies like gardening or painting, or office work activities, repetitive movements can cause tendonitis to develop over time.
The likelihood of developing tendonitis increases with age because the tendons lose their elasticity over time. People who increase the intensity of their exercise without proper stretching or conditioning are also more likely to develop tendonitis. Tendonitis may also be caused by a sudden injury or by stresses from other conditions like arthritis, gout, or thyroid disorders.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tendonitis typically include pain, stiffness, tenderness, and mild swelling around the tendon and surrounding area. The pain associated with tendonitis may develop over time or be sudden and severe. In most cases, the symptoms of tendonitis will go away in seven to ten days with rest and home care. However, if left untreated, the symptoms of tendonitis may worsen and become chronic.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Most cases of tendonitis can be effectively managed without surgery. Tendonitis often responds well to home treatment and conservative care approaches.
RICE Protocol
The RICE protocol—rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected area—will help relieve the pain and swelling associated with tendonitis. Rest is particularly important to allow the tendon time to heal without additional stress.
Medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories, since these medicines may interact with other medications and medical conditions.
Physical Therapy
Customized exercise programs help stretch and strengthen the affected tendon and surrounding muscles to improve flexibility and restore range of motion. A physical therapist can guide you through proper stretching and conditioning exercises to prevent recurrence.
Supportive Devices
Braces, splints, or wraps can help support the affected area and reduce stress on the tendon during healing. These devices can be particularly helpful during activities that might otherwise aggravate the condition.
Advanced Treatments
For persistent or severe cases of tendonitis that don't respond to conservative treatment, more advanced options may be recommended.
Corticosteroid Injections
For more severe pain or swelling, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection directly into the affected area for short-term relief and to reduce inflammation.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Advanced procedures like the Tenex procedure can remove damaged scar tissue from chronic tendon pain using ultrasound-guided technology. These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis and offer faster recovery times than traditional surgery.
Surgical Treatment
If symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment or if there are other underlying conditions, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon. Surgical options depend on the location and severity of the tendon damage.