What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis, also spelled tendinitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. It commonly occurs due to overuse, repetitive movements, injury, or aging. Tendonitis can affect any tendon in the body, but it frequently occurs in areas such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.
Symptoms of tendonitis:
- Pain: Tenderness, soreness, or aching in the affected tendon, which may worsen with movement or activity.
- Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the tendon, often accompanied by warmth and redness.
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving the affected joint or muscle, especially after periods of rest or in the morning.
- Weakness: Weakness or loss of strength in the affected muscle due to pain and inflammation.
Common types of tendonitis:
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder, often caused by repetitive overhead activities or shoulder trauma.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, typically due to repetitive gripping or wrist extension movements.
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, usually caused by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, often resulting from overuse or sudden increases in activity.
Treatment for tendonitis:
Treatment for tendonitis typically involves a combination of rest, activity modification, pain management, and rehabilitation. Here are some common approaches:
- Rest and Immobilization: Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms and allowing the affected tendon to rest and heal. Immobilization with a splint, brace, or orthotic device may be necessary in some cases to reduce stress on the tendon.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the affected area to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. Ice therapy is typically recommended for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with tendonitis. However, long-term or excessive use of NSAIDs should be avoided due to potential side effects.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can develop a tailored exercise program to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the affected joint and surrounding muscles. Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy may also be used to promote healing.
- Steroid Injections: In cases of severe or persistent tendonitis, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain. However, these injections are typically used judiciously due to potential side effects and risks.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT involves the application of shock waves to the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce pain. It may be considered for chronic tendonitis that has not responded to other treatments.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood into the affected tendon to promote tissue repair and regeneration. It is still considered experimental for tendonitis but may be an option in certain cases.
- Surgery: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or remove damaged tendon tissue. This is usually considered as a last resort when other options have been exhausted.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs. With proper management, most cases of tendonitis can be successfully treated, allowing individuals to return to their usual activities with reduced pain and improved function.