What is Tendinitis?
Posted on 19. Jun, 2011 by Annie in Arthritis, Joint Pain, Tendinitis
Tendinitis is commonly considered as one of the 150 + types of arthritis. It refers to the inflammation of the joint tendons. Tendinitis of the elbow is sometimes called “tennis elbow,” although it can result from other activities as well.
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is inflammation (pain and swelling) of the tendons attaching muscle to bone around a joint.
What causes tendinitis?
Tendinitis usually results from overuse that is, performing the same motion over and over again. In other words, tendinitis is an overuse injury, most often caused by performing the same motion over and over again. Tendon damage builds up until it becomes difficult or painful to perform that particular motion. In tennis and other sports, the injury may result from incorrect technique. Many other activities may also cause tendinitis, such as:
- Golf (elbow tendinitis)
- Baseball or other throwing sports (shoulder or elbow tendinitis)
- Running (Achilles’ tendinitis)
- Basketball or other jumping sports (knee tendinitis)
How would you know if you have tendinitis?
Following are some of the most frequently occurring symptoms of tendinitis:
- Pain and some swelling near a joint, such as the elbow, shoulder, back of the ankle (Achilles’ tendon), back of the thigh (hamstrings), or even a finger joint
- Weakness or difficulty moving the joint, especially when performing repetitive motions
- In tennis elbow, the bony point on the outside of the elbow may become inflamed (epicondylitis)
If left untreated, what tendinitis could lead to?
Usually, tennis elbow and other forms of tendinitis clear up with simple treatments, especially rest and the use of anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen).
Rarely, tendinitis leads to a tear of the muscle or tendon, requiring surgery.
Can tendinitis be prevented?
Learning and following correct technique, for example, the proper tennis stroke, may help to prevent tendinitis or keep it from recurring. Consuming a safe herbal supplement such as Provailen can also help prevent tendinitis.
How is tendinitis treated?
Proper & sufficient rest: You should take a break from the sport or other activity that is causing pain. It is especially important to stop any repeated motions that are irritating the tendon.
Medications: A few days of treatment with anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may help to reduce pain and inflammation. However, they only provide symptomatic relief which is temporary and can also cause several side effects such as bleeding or digestion-related disorders.
Herbal supplements: Using a safe, potent and effective herbal diet-based supplement such as Provailen has been found to be highly effective in almost all kinds of arthritis including tendinitis. On top of that, it very affordable and does not cause any drug interactions.
Rehabilitation: Depending on the cause and location of the tendinitis, specific exercises or other rehabilitation such as splinting may be recommended
Conclusion
All in all, usually, tendinitis improves after a few weeks of rest and simple treatments mentioned above. If pain and inflammation continue, other therapy may be needed. You may then consider a visit to an orthopedic surgeon (a specialist in treating bone and joint problems).
About the Author
Annie
Annie is Canadian doctor who works part time inside the profession. Before her semi retirement she worked primarily as a department head in a hospice just outside Halifax, Nova Scotia.
