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Tendonitis is described as inflammation, swelling, and irritation of a tendon. It is a painful condition that is most often felt at the tendon insertion site. Tendons are bands of fibrous material... |
Tendonitis is described as inflammation, swelling, and irritation of a tendon. It is a painful condition that is most often felt at the tendon insertion site. Tendons are bands of fibrous material that attach muscle to the bone.
Tendonitis usually occurs in middle or old age and develops when people have used the same motion over and over again for an extended period of time. When tendonitis occurs in younger people, it is usually caused by performing the same motion very frequently over a short period of time. The most common areas in which tendonitis occurs is in the tendons of the hands, tendons of the upper arm that connect with the shoulder, and the tendons that run across the top of the foot and the Achilles tendon.
When diagnosing tendonitis, most physicians will advise that proper treatment is rest and applying ice packs to the injured area. Non steroidal medication such as ibuprofen may help to reduce the inflammation and pain. If the symptoms of tendonitis are more severe, the physician may provide an injection of cortisone to relieve the pain. A cortisone injection is an anti-inflammatory medication that will help with the pain and inflammation, but is unable to be applied to the Achilles tendons, as the risk of rupturing the tendon is very high. Long term treatment of tendonitis includes protecting the tendon from being strained until it is fully healed. This will help to insure that the body is kept healthy and active for a long time.
The most common causes of tendonitis are strain, over exertion, repetitive movements, and sudden, unaccustomed movements. Tendonitis is most common in seniors and middle aged people as the tendons of older individuals lack the elasticity of younger people and have sustained hundreds of microscopic tears due to daily wear and tear over the years. There are certain diseases that can cause tendonitis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Reiter’s Syndrome, lupus, and diabetes. Some common types of tendonitis include rotator cuff tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, and flexor digital tenosynovitis, also called trigger finger. Serious complications of tendonitis may include muscle wasting and disability. The shoulder is the most vulnerable joint as it can freeze up, a condition called “frozen shoulder.” In serious cases, the rotator cuff tendons can tear, which may lead to prolonged weakness and pain within the shoulder.
Because most cases of tendonitis are caused by overuse, the best treatment is prevention. It is important to avoid or modify the activities that cause the problem. Underlying conditions such s improper posture or poor technique in sports or work must be corrected. It is important to take all activities slow at first and gradually build up the activity level. Using limited force and limited repetitions are important and it is also vital that the activity is stopped if unusual pain occurs. Cross training, stretching, and decreasing the intensity of the exercise might help prevent tendonitis. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause tendonitis. Tendonitis can usually be treated with rest, ice, and medicine to relieve pain and to decrease swelling. Other treatments include ultrasound, physical therapy, and steroid injections. Surgery is usually considered a last alternative if the tendonitis symptoms are extreme.