Tendinitis
What is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon – a thick cord that attaches muscle to bone.
Tendons act as pulleys to help muscles move a joint. Tendinitis commonly affects
the shoulders, biceps, hands, wrists, thumbs and calves.
Tendinitis Causes
Tendinitis often results from sports injuries or repetitive movements. But it can also be
caused by:
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Bad posture or walking habits
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Stress on soft tissues from an abnormal or poorly positioned joint or bone (such
as leg length differences or joint deformities)
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Some types of arthritis and related conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis
and gout)
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Metabolic conditions, such as diabetes
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Side effects from certain medications
Since the pain occurs near a joint, these conditions are sometimes mistaken for
arthritis.
Tendinitis Symptoms
This condition causes inflammation, tenderness and pain in areas around a joint,
such as the tendons, ligaments and muscles. Some types can occur suddenly, last
for days or longer and usually get better with rest or treatment. They can also
happen again in the same body area.
Tendinitis Diagnosis
A primary care doctor can diagnose most types of tendinitis with a medical history
and physical examination. If there is persistent redness or swelling around the joints
with fever or chills, see a doctor immediately to make certain there isn't an
infection.
Tendinitis Treatment
Tendinitis may go away over time. If not, the doctor will recommend treatments to
reduce pain and inflammation and preserve mobility to prevent disability and
Source: Arthritis Foundation
recurrence. He may provide a referral to a rheumatologist, an orthopaedic surgeon
or a physical therapist for specialized treatment. When properly treated,
most tendinitis conditions don’t result in permanent joint damage or disability.
Common treatment options include:
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Rest and splints. Many soft tissue conditions are caused by muscle overuse, so
the first treatment may include resting the painful area or avoiding a particular
activity for a while. Splints, braces or slings allow a particular area to rest until
the pain eases.
Hot and cold therapy. A cold compress can help reduce initial swelling and
pain. Cold therapy is usually most effective during the first 48 hours after
overuse, injury or swelling begins. After 48 hours or for chronic (long-term) pain,
dry or moist heat (like a warm bath) may be more helpful than cold
compresses.
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines. The doctor may
recommend medicines to help relieve pain and inflammation. They might
include OTC pain relievers (analgesics), such as acetaminophen, or a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin, ibuprofen or
naproxen. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a stronger version of an
analgesic or NSAID may be needed.
Corticosteroids injections. These powerful anti-inflammatory are injected
directly into a joint at the doctor’s office.
Physical therapy. A physical therapist can provide hot/cold treatments,
ultrasound (sound wave), laser and water therapy; soft tissue or joint
mobilization (manual therapy); orthotics or pressure-relieving devices; a
personalized exercise program; analysis of posture and walking; and education
regarding appropriate activities.
Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can recommend
modifications for daily activities and work habits to prevent re-injury. He can
create hand and wrist splints and suggest assistive devices to help make daily
activities easier.
Tendinitis Self care
Taking a proactive role in treatment is called self management. Because tendinitis is
mostly caused by overuse, the best way to prevent it from re-occuring is to avoid or
modify activities that cause the problem. A doctor and physical or occupational
therapists can provide suggestions on modifying daily activities. Range-of-motion
exercises can help to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
If you think you have tendinitis, find out when to see a doctor.
Source: Arthritis Foundation