Tendonitis

Symptoms

The main symptom of tendonitis is pain around the affected joint. The pain is often described as a dull ache or burning sensation. Other symptoms may include:

• Tenderness to the touch
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Reduced range of motion

Causes

Tendonitis is most commonly caused by overuse. Repetitive motions that stress the tendon can cause tiny tears in the tissue. Over time, these tears can lead to inflammation. Other causes of tendonitis include:

• Sudden injury
• Poor posture
• Improper technique during exercise
• Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing tendonitis, including:

• Age: Tendons become less flexible with age, making them more susceptible to tears.
• Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive motions, such as carpentry or assembly line work, can increase your risk of tendonitis.
• Activities: Certain sports and activities, such as tennis, golf, and running, can put stress on tendons.
• Tight muscles: Tight muscles can put more strain on tendons.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can weaken tendons.

Treatment

The most common treatment for tendonitis is rest. This allows the tendon to heal and reduce inflammation. Other treatments may include:

• Ice therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Heat therapy: Once the inflammation has subsided, heat therapy can help improve flexibility.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve flexibility.
• Corticosteroid injection: In some cases, a doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the affected area to reduce inflammation.
• Minimally Invasive Proceudre: For precise delivery of medication, image-guided joint injections offer a minimally invasive approach (Click here to read more on Ultrasound guided joint / soft tissue injections).
• Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary for tendonitis. However, it may be an option if other treatments have not been successful.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent tendonitis, including:

• Warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward
• Stretching regularly
• Maintaining good posture
• Using proper technique during exercise
• Taking breaks from activities that stress the tendons
• Strengthening the muscles around the joints