Tendinitis is inflammation of the muscles that attach to the bones.Tendons are in action when muscles contract.Repetitive movements at work are often the cause of tendonitis.The areas most likely to be affected by tendonitis are the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hips and heel.Tendinitis can cause significant pain and disability, but it fades away after a few weeks if some helpful home care treatment is applied.In some cases, tendonitis can become chronic and need medical attention.
Step 1: Stop using the muscles.
Inflamed tendons can be caused by a sudden injury, but they're usually triggered by small repetitive movements over the course of many days, weeks or months.Repetitive motions can cause micro-tears and inflammation on the tendons.If you know what action is creating the problem, you can either take a break or modify the movement.Talk to your employer if the tendonitis is related to work.If your problem is related to exercise, then you should consult with a personal trainer.Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow can be caused by playing too much tennis and golf.If you don't give your body a chance to rest, acute tendonitis can become a chronic problem that's more difficult to treat.
Step 2: Ice can be applied to the injured tendon.
Inflammation is an attempt by the body to heal and protect the injured tissue.The body's inflammatory response is usually too much and contributes to the problem, so controlling it is the key to reducing the symptoms.In order to reduce inflammation and dull the pain, apply an icepack, frozen gel pack or bag or even a bag of frozen veggies to your tendon.Cold therapy should be applied every few hours.The ice should be applied for about 10 minutes if the inflammation is in the wrist or elbow.Leave the ice on for 20 minutes if it is a larger or deeper muscle.The best way to combat inflammation is to elevate the area and tie a bandage around it.Don't forget to wrap ice up in a thin cloth before applying it, as it will prevent negative reactions such as ice burn or frostbite.
Step 3: Take anti-Inflammatory pills.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs can be used to fight the inflammation of tendonitis.NSAIDs help control the body's inflammation reaction, which reduces swelling and pain.It's best not to take them for more than two weeks for any particular injury since they are hard on the stomach.If it is close to the skin's surface where it can be absorbed and have a greater impact, consider applying an anti- inflammatory/pain-relieving cream or gel.Inflammation doesn't address the use of painkillers or muscle relaxers.
Step 4: It's a good idea to lightly stretch the tendon.
Stretching can relieve muscle tension, increase flexibility and range of motion, and promote circulation.Stretching can be used for acute tendonitis, chronic tendonitis and as a preventative measure.Repeated three to five times daily, especially before and after intense activity, is the best way to stretch.If you want to prevent chronic tendonitis, apply moist heat to the affected area before stretching it because the muscles and tendons will be warmed up and more flexible.The pain of tendonitis is usually worse at night and after activity.
Step 5: It's a good idea to wear a supportive brace.
If the tendonitis involves your knee, elbow or wrist, you should consider wearing a nylon/Velcro brace in order to protect the area and limit movement.It's a good idea to wear a support or brace to remind you to take it easy while at work or in the gym.In order to heal properly, muscles and joints need some movement to get consistent blood circulation.In addition to wearing a support, look at the ergonomics of your work area and make sure it suits your size and body type.To alleviate stress on your joints, adjust your chair, keyboard and desktop.
Step 6: Talk to your doctor.
If your tendonitis isn't responding well to rest and basic home care, then you should see your doctor.Sometimes your doctor will use diagnostic equipment to assess the severity of your tendonitis and give you recommendations.If the tendon has torn away from the bone, then a referral to an orthopedic surgeon is necessary.Rehabilitation and steroid injections are more appropriate for less serious situations.Most surgeries for severe tendonitis are done arthroscopically, in which a small camera and miniature instruments are inserted into the joints.FAST is a minimally-invagant surgery that removes scar tissue from the tendon without damaging the healthy tissue.
Step 7: Get a referral for help.
Your doctor will most likely refer you for rehabilitation if your tendonitis is a chronic condition.A physical therapist can show you stretches and exercises to strengthen your muscles.In treating chronic tendonitis, eccentric strengthening, which involves contraction of a muscle/tendon while it's shortening, is effective.For four to eight weeks, physical therapy is required to positively impact chronic tendonitis.Inflammation can be treated with therapeutic ultrasound or micro-current, both proven to help relieve it.Some physical therapists and other medical professionals use low-energy light waves to decrease inflammation and pain.
Step 8: You should get a steroid injection.
Your doctor may recommend a steroid injection if he thinks it's necessary.Steroids can be very effective at reducing inflammation in a short period of time, which can eliminate pain and restore mobility, but there are risks to be aware of.In rare cases, corticosteroid injections can weaken the injured tendon and cause it to tear.corticosteroid injections are not recommended for a long time because it increases the risk of injury.Short-term pain relief can be provided with steroid injections.Other side effects associated with steroid injections include infections, nerve damage and reduced immune function.If steroid injections don't resolve the tendonitis, then some form of surgery should be considered.
Step 9: Ask your doctor about the therapy.
It involves taking a sample of your blood and spinning it to separate out the platelets and other healing factors from the red blood cells.The injected mixture is said to boost tissue healing and reduce inflammation.The lack of side effects would make it a better alternative to injections.There are always risks of infections, excessive bleeding, and the build-up of scar tissue with any procedure.