Are You Suffering From Tendonitis?
Post by Dr. Lee M Kupersmith
At SIO, a lot of patients come in suffering from symptoms of tendonitis. We hope to help you better understand tendonitis so that you’ll recognize the symptoms and act accordingly. Here’s a quick overview on the causes, symptoms and possible treatment options for tendonitis.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is the swelling or irritation of the thick and fibrous band of tissue, responsible for connecting your muscle to the bone. As the muscle contracts to the bone, the affected tendon receives the force, causing a dull ache, loss of motion, or tenderness. Many people experience tendonitis in their elbow, knee, shoulder, hip, rotator cuff or finger.
Who Is Affected By Tendonitis?
At SIO, many tendonitis patients are athletes and seniors. Repetitive motions that athletes often perform can take a toll on their muscles and bones. These motions can lead to tendon inflammation or tendonitis. In addition, as someone ages, tendons become less elastic, causing a decrease in the amount of pressure the tissue can receive. When you reach your 40’s, many people experience a decrease in blood circulation. This lack of oxygen and nutrients can damage tissue and further increase the chance of tendonitis.
How To Treat Tendonitis
If you believe you have tendonitis, we recommend you follow these steps:
- Rest the area
- Decrease swelling by applying ice to the area, once or twice a day for 10-15 minutes
- Or take anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen*
If it doesn’t improve within one week, consult a physician. At SIO, if someone comes in with tenderness, aches or loss of motion, we’ll conduct a physical examination, perform x-rays and other diagnostic testing to make sure it’s tendonitis and not another condition. After a thorough examination with findings pointing to tendonitis, we might suggest:
- Corticosteroid injections to decrease the pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to strengthen the affected area without using the damaged tendon
- Surgery for more severe issues. If the tendon is not aligned properly to the muscle and bone, surgery is the best option
Preventing Tendonitis
Many of our patients want to know how to prevent tendonitis. Here are four guidelines to keep in mind:
- Start slow in your activities
- Limit the repetitions
- Maintain proper posture
- Utilize the right size in sports equipment
If you believe you are suffering from Tendonitis, please schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained doctors. The more quickly we are able to assess the area, the sooner we’ll get you back in the game. For more information, please visit LIOrthoSports.com.
* Check with your physician first.
Tagged with: Physical Activity Safety, Tendonitis, Treatment
Posted in: Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee