Tendinitis: Overview
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the sturdy fibers that connect a muscle to a bone through a tendon. Tendinopathy is a word commonly used to describe tendinitis. Injury, trauma, or joint overuse are the usual causes of tendinitis. Common sites for tendinitis are the elbows, heel, shoulder, and wrist.
Although tendinitis can affect everyone, it may be more common in older people, in people who don't exercise regularly, or in people who experience excessive joint rotations. Rest and medication are effective to treat tendinitis to lessen discomfort and inflammation. Muscle strength may increase with the help of physical therapy, which can accelerate recovery. But sometimes, surgery may occasionally be required to mend damaged tendons.
Types of Tendinitis
Types of Tendinitis are.
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Symtoms of Tendinitis
- Tendinitis signs and symptoms often appear alongside the injured joint. Symptoms often get better with proper care and relaxation.
- The tendinitis pain is usually around the affected area or joint. When you move the injured area, it gets worse. If someone touches the tender spot, the pain will be increased.
- There can be stiffness that makes it challenging to move the inflamed part of the body. You may also have some bruising.
- If you experience tendinitis symptoms, start by resting the affected area and using ice. See a doctor if your problem doesn't improve after a few days of rest.
When To See The Doctor?
Self-care is usually effective in tendinitis. Consult a medical professional if the symptoms don't subside after a few days or if they interfere with your normal activities.
Causes of Tendinitis
One of the common leading causes of tendinitis is straining exercise habits. Common causes of tendonitis include-
- A joint injury such as a sprain
- Joint overuse
- Aging
In rare instances, a severe underlying medical problem, such as:
Risk Factors of Tendinitis
Tendinitis risk factors include:
- Age As people age, the tendon structure stiffens, making them more prone to damage.
- Profession People with repetitive motion-intensive professions are more susceptible to tendonitis.
- Sports Repetitive motions are used in tennis, golf, and jogging, which can cause tendinitis.
- Some health conditions Tendinitis is more common in those with rheumatoid arthritis, renal problems, and gout.
A person should consult a doctor if the pain suddenly increases or it becomes difficult to move a joint.
Complications of Tendinitis
Complications of tendinitis involve:
- Chronic pain The quality of life might be impacted, and everyday tasks can become difficult if there is chronic discomfort in the affected area.
- Loss of mobility Pain and inflammation can limit motion, making it challenging to do some tasks.
- Weakness Weakness :Tendinitis may result in muscle weakening in the afflicted region, making daily tasks more challenging.
- Stiffness Stiffness :The affected region may become tight and difficult to move due to tissue damage and inflammation.
- Deformity Tendinitis can cause deformity and long-lasting alterations in the afflicted region in extreme cases.
- Tissue damage Long-lasting tendinitis can damage the affected tendon permanently, making it more challenging to treat and recover from.
- Recurrence If the underlying cause is not treated, tendinitis may recur, resulting in a cycle of tissue damage, discomfort, and inflammation.
- Reduced range of motion Pain and inflammation can limit motion in the afflicted region, making it challenging to do some tasks.
- Inability to perform tasks Tendinitis can affect a person's ability to perform tasks at work and in their personal life.
- Delayed healing Prolonged tendinitis can delay healing and make it more challenging to recover from the condition.
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Prevention of Tendinitis
Following these guidelines may lower the chance of developing tendinitis:
- Ease up Avoid long-term or strenuous activities that put too much strain on your tendons. If you get discomfort when exercising, stop and take a break.
- Mix it up If any activity causes pain, try something else. Cross-training can help you mix high-impact exercises, such as running, with lower-impact exercises, like biking or swimming.
- Stretch After working out, extend the range of motion in your joints. When your muscles are warmed up from activity, this is the ideal moment to stretch.
- Move right in the workplace Make sure the keyboard, chair, and workspace are adjusted correctly for your height, arm length, and the jobs you perform. This will lessen the tension on your tendons and joints.
Diagnosis of Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to bones. An assessment of the physical condition and a study of the patient's medical history is often used to diagnose tendinitis. The doctor will inquire about any further symptoms, edema, and the location and intensity of the discomfort.
The damaged tendon is examined for soreness and edema during a physical examination. To determine whether the tendon is painful, the doctor may also move the joint and exert pressure on it.
To eliminate other conditions and confirm the diagnosis of tendinitis, imaging procedures such as an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound may be performed.
A sample of the affected tendon tissue can be taken and examined under a microscope to provide a conclusive diagnosis of tendinitis.
If you experience persistent pain or discomfort in a tendon, it's important to consult a doctor since untreated tendonitis increases the chance of tendon ruptures and can cause more damage.
Treatment of Tendinitis
Tendinitis can get better on its own over time. Otherwise, the doctor will suggest treatments to maintain mobility by reducing discomfort and inflammation. Specialized care from a rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist may be necessary for severe symptoms. Most tendinitis issues don't lead to lasting joint damage or disability when properly treated. Options for treatment include:
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) Because muscle overuse is a common cause of soft tissue conditions, rest, cold therapy, a tight bandage, and elevation may be used as the initial treatment.
- Physical or occupational therapy Physical therapists can use hot or cold treatments, ultrasound (sound wave), laser, and water therapy, as well as soft tissue or joint mobilization, orthotics or pressure-relieving devices, a customized exercise program, analysis of posture, and walking, and education regarding appropriate activities. To avoid re-injury and make daily tasks simpler, an occupational therapist might suggest assistive equipment, adjustments for everyday tasks, and work habits.
- Splints, braces, or slings These treatments allow the painful area to relax until the pain subsides and tennis elbow support
- vOver-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines These medications include pain relievers, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which are offered as tablets, gels, creams, patches, or lotions along with Vitamin C. Analgesics or NSAIDs may be administered in a stronger tablet form, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
- Surgery This may be an option if the tendon ruptures, the lower calf Achilles tendon rips, or there are lesions on the tendons.
Dos and Don’ts
Following the given do's, and don'ts can help you manage the condition.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Warm up before physical activity | Participate in activities that consistently cause pain |
| Gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise | Overuse the affected limb |
| Use proper form and technique for physical activity | Use heat on the affected area without first consulting a doctor |
| Take breaks and switch to low-impact activities if experiencing pain | Neglect proper form, and technique |
| Seek professional medical treatment if needed | Engage in activities that involve repetitive motions that could worsen the condition. |
Care At Medicover
Medicover hospital has the best orthopedic doctor, pain management therapists, and physiotherapists to deliver the most precise Tendinitis treatment and therapies. Our highly qualified staff uses cutting-edge medical equipment, diagnostic techniques, treatments, and technologies that bring good patient results to treat many forms of autoimmune illnesses and disorders. For Tendinitis, we use a multidisciplinary approach to give patients an all-around healing experience and address their medical requirements at once, resulting in a faster and more sustainable recovery.
