Symptoms of Tendonitis and How It Is Treated

Symptoms of Tendonitis and How It Is Treated
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Tendinitis is a condition in which a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. This condition most commonly affects the shoulders, wrists, elbows, and heels. The symptoms of tendonitis will vary greatly from individual to individual, as will the symptom severity. This condition can sometimes become so severe the affected tendon will rupture.

Causes and Risk Factors

Tendonitis can be caused by a few different things. Repetition is the most common cause, followed by a sudden injury. Those using the same joint repeatedly, such as tennis players, golfers, and typists, may experience this condition. A joint injury may also result in this condition.

There are certain risk factors that put a person at a greater risk of developing this condition. Age is a risk factor. As a person ages, their tendons are easier to injure due to them becoming less flexible. Certain jobs and occupations where certain tasks are performed regularly and routinely put individuals at an increased risk. These tasks include:

  • Repetitive motions
  • Frequent overhead reaching
  • Forceful exertion
  • Awkward positions
  • Vibration

Certain sports increase a person’s chance of developing this condition when they play them regularly. These sports include:

  • Baseball
  • Bowling
  • Running
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Golf
  • Swimming

Symptoms

The symptoms of tendonitis will vary and can include:

  • Pain
  • Mild swelling
  • Tenderness

The pain is typically a dull ache, but can get quite severe. It can also feel like a burning pain. During activity and movement is when the pain can get worse. The pain can also become worse at night. Each patient is different and needs to avoid anything that aggravates their symptoms in order to keep the pain, swelling, tenderness, and inflammation as minimal as possible.

Complications

When tendinitis is not properly treated, the chance of tendon rupture increases. This is a serious condition. In most cases, patients will need to undergo surgery in order to repair the ruptured tendon.

Treatment

Once the symptoms of this condition are present, treatment is necessary to both alleviate the symptoms and decrease inflammation. In most cases, ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medications (those that also reduce inflammation, such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Motrin) are sufficient in treating this condition. However, patients should always consult a physician in order to ensure their diagnosis of tendinitis is correct.

If home treatments are not working, a doctor may want to inject a corticosteroid medication around the area of the tendon to help alleviate pain and inflammation. However, these injections cannot be given repeatedly because it can result in the tendon becoming weakened, which increases the chance of tendon rupture. Specific physical therapy can help to strengthen and stretch the affected tendon. If the injury to the tendon is severe, surgery may be necessary.

Resources

MedlinePlus. (2010). Tendinitis. Retrieved on August 25, 2010 from MedlinePlus: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001229.htm

MayoClinic.com. (2009). Tendinitis. Retrieved on August 25, 2010 from MayoClinic.com: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tendinitis/DS00153