Tendonitis

About Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. This condition often results from repetitive movement or overuse, although it can also occur due to sudden injury. Tendonitis can affect any tendon in the body, but it most commonly involves the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of tendonitis is pain at the site of the tendon and the surrounding area. Other common symptoms include: 

Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Tenderness, especially when moving the affected joint
Stiffness in the joint, particularly after periods of rest
A burning sensation around the tendon

In more severe cases, the tendon may rupture, requiring surgical intervention.

Treatments

Most cases of tendonitis can be treated conservatively. Key treatment options include:

Rest

Limiting movement and avoiding activities that aggravate the tendon can prevent further injury.

Ice

Applying ice packs for 20-minute intervals can reduce swelling and numb the area.

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can relieve pain and inflammation.

Physical Therapy

Exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscle-tendon unit can promote healing and prevent recurrence.

Corticosteroid Injections

In cases of severe inflammation, injections may be used to reduce swelling.

Surgery

In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention to repair the damaged tendon may be necessary.