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Do you know the facts about tendonitis? Would you like to know more about what tendonitis is, and what the symptoms are and how to treat tendonitis? Read on for all the facts about... |
Do you know the facts about tendonitis? Would you like to know more about what tendonitis is, and what the symptoms are and how to treat tendonitis? Read on for all the facts about tendonitis.
Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon. A tendon is the fibrous structure that we all have that joins muscle to bone. You can get tendonitis from overusing, as a result of an injury or by the aging process when the tendon loses some of its elasticity. Tendonitis can also occur as a component of a systemic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. You can get tendonitis in any tendon but the most common tendons affected by tendonitis are those of the elbow, heel, wrist and shoulder.
The symptoms that a person may have who is suffering from tendonitis are pain or tenderness along a tendon (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist or joint pain, pain when moving a joint or participating in an activity, and pain at night while sleeping. The skin above the tendon may be red and warm to the touch. You may notice swelling of the skin above the tendon.
A medical doctor who will perform a physical examination, and possibly run some tests to confirm tendonitis or rule out other conditions makes the diagnosis of tendonitis.
The purpose of treatment is to relieve the pain and to reduce the inflammation experienced with tendonitis. Rest is always part of the treatment for tendonitis. The doctor may prescribe a splint or removable brace to help remind you to rest the body part affected by the tendonitis. You will be instructed on how to apply cold therapy to the affected area for the first 24 to 36 hours and moist heat therapy after that.
The pain may be controlled by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), which will also help to control the inflammation. Other pain medications that may be part of the treatment plan are aspirin, ibuprofen or steroid injections. The injections will especially be used just prior to physical therapy, as the therapy can be quite painful as the joint is reconditioned. Physical therapy stretches and strengthens the muscle and the tendon in order to restore the tendon to its normal function. Physical therapy also helps to prevent future injury and can speed healing.
You will improve with rest and treatment. You will need to be patient and allow enough time for complete healing.
There are complications that can occur with tendonitis including recurrence of tendonitis and chronic inflammation of the tendon, which can lead to future injury, or rupture of the tendon.
While going through treatment for tendonitis it is important to know when to notify the doctor such as:
* If symptoms return
* If pain worsens
* If you are unable to move the affected body part
Prevention of tendonitis is possible. Individual who have repetitive motion, as part of their work or recreational life should be aware that repetitive motion could lead to tendonitis? Avoid repetitive motion if possible. Notify employer of any situations at work that involve repetitive motions. Solutions can be found that involve corrected posture, equipment adjustment such as chair height that will take pressure off of wrists and neck and other body parts.
To prevent tendonitis athletes should always warm-up before participating in sports or when exercising. Cooling down is also important. Get proper training in good technique and posture before starting and exercise at a relaxed pace before gearing up for vigorous activity. Try to keep all of your muscles strong and flexible.
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