Tendonitis is a painful condition that affects tendons and can cause extreme discomfort and even disability. It occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed, usually due to repetitive motion or overuse. The condition can affect any tendon in the body, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot. It is a common problem among athletes and other active individuals, as well as those who perform regular manual labor.
Common Causes of Tendonitis
1. Overuse and repetitive motion: One of the most common causes of tendonitis is overuse and repetitive motion. This can occur when a person does the same type of motion over and over again, such as typing all day or running every day. The repetitive motion puts strain on the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain.
2. Injury: Injury is another potential cause of tendonitis. This can occur when a person experiences trauma to the affected area, such as a sprain or tear. This trauma can cause inflammation and pain in the area, leading to tendonitis.
3. Poor posture: Poor posture is another potential cause of tendonitis. This is especially true if a person is sitting or standing for extended periods of time with poor posture. Poor posture can put undue strain on the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain.
4. Age: As a person gets older, their tendons become less flexible, making them more susceptible to tendonitis. Additionally, older tendons are more prone to tearing, which can cause inflammation and pain.
5. Inflammatory diseases: Certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause tendonitis. This is because the inflammation from the disease can spread to the tendons, leading to pain and swelling.
6. Infection: Infection can also be a cause of tendonitis. This is because the infection can cause inflammation in the affected area, leading to pain and swelling.
Symptoms of Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons of the body become inflamed and irritated. Tendons are the thick bands of tissue that connect muscles to the bones. When these structures become inflamed, the individual can experience a wide range of symptoms that can significantly interfere with their daily activities.
The most common symptom of tendonitis is pain. Pain is usually localized to the area of the tendon that is inflamed. It can range from a mild ache to a severe stabbing or burning sensation. The pain may be worse when the affected area is moved, such as when a person tries to lift or move an object with their arms or hands. In addition, the individual may experience swelling and tenderness in the affected area.
In addition to pain, individuals with tendonitis may also experience stiffness in the affected area. This stiffness may be worse in the morning, but can improve as the day wears on. It can also be worse after periods of inactivity, such as after sitting for long periods of time.
Another symptom of tendonitis is a decreased range of motion. As the tendons become inflamed, they can become tight and restricted, making it difficult for the affected limb to be moved through its full range of motion. As a result, individuals may notice difficulty bending or stretching their arms or legs, depending on the location of their tendonitis.
Also, individuals with tendonitis may also notice a decrease in their strength in the affected area. As the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, it can become weak and less able to bear weight or generate force. As a result, the individual may find it difficult to perform activities that require strength, such as pushing or pulling objects.
Though the symptoms of tendonitis can vary depending on its location and severity, the most common symptoms are pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and decreased strength. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and create a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon.
A diagnosis of tendonitis requires a thorough physical exam and review of medical history. During the physical exam, a doctor will check for tenderness, swelling, and pain. They may also press on the area to see if the pain worsens or decreases. Additionally, the doctor may ask about activities that may have caused the injury such as sports or repetitive movements related to work or hobbies. Imaging tests, including X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds, may also be used to provide more information about the tendon’s condition.
Once a diagnosis of tendonitis is made, a doctor will develop a treatment plan to reduce pain and promote healing.
Prevention and Treatment of Tendonitis
The best way to prevent tendonitis is to practice proper body mechanics when performing activities. It is important to warm up before physical activity and to use the correct form to avoid overworking the tendons. It is also important to take frequent breaks to give the tendons a chance to rest, and to use proper equipment that is designed to reduce the amount of strain placed on the tendons.
In the event that tendonitis has already developed, it is important to take steps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Cold therapy, such as ice packs, can be used to reduce swelling and pain. It is also important to rest the affected area and keep it elevated to reduce swelling. Taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can also help to reduce both pain and swelling.
Physical therapy is also an important component of treatment for tendonitis. Physical therapists can provide stretches and exercises to strengthen the affected area, as well as provide instruction on proper body mechanics. Additionally, they may use massage, ultrasound and other treatments to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Stem cell therapy is a new and promising treatment for tendonitis. In this treatment, stem cells are injected into the affected area to help repair the damaged tendon. Stem cell therapy has been found to be a safe and effective option for reducing pain and increasing range of motion.
Surgical treatment is another option for treating tendonitis, but it is usually only recommended when all other treatment options have failed. Surgery is usually used to repair or replace damaged tendons, but it carries the risk of complications, such as infection and scarring.
Finally, it is important to make lifestyle changes to reduce the chances of developing tendonitis in the future. It is important to maintain a healthy weight, practice proper body mechanics, and wear proper fitting shoes when engaging in physical activity. Additionally, it is important to take breaks throughout the day and to give the tendons a chance to rest and recover.