Tendonitis

What causes tendonitis?

Tendonitis occurs when there’s inflammation or irritation in one of your tendons, the thick cords that attach muscle to bone. It causes a dull ache or tenderness around your affected tendon, and you may experience slight swelling. In some cases, it impacts mobility, leading to problematic issues like frozen shoulder.

Tendonitis can develop in any of your tendons but is most common in the:

• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Wrists
• Knees
• Heels

Because it’s often the result of repetitive impacts in a specific area, tendonitis is sometimes tied to a specific activity, like tennis elbow, pitcher’s shoulder, or jumper’s knee. A sudden injury can also cause tendonitis.

In some rare cases, certain infections, like gonorrhea, can cause the condition.

Can you prevent tendonitis?

In many cases, preventive measures can stop tendonitis from developing. The Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services team recommends that you:

• Warm-up before sports and exercise
• Gradually increase exercise intensity
• Avoid reaching over your head for long periods
• Wear properly fitting shoes

If you have sports-related or exercise-induced tendonitis, your provider may ask you to show them your movement techniques. With slight modifications, they may improve your positioning or motions to limit strain on your tendons, protect them, and reduce the risk of re-injury.

How is tendonitis treated?

If you think you have tendonitis, Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services recommends avoiding activities that aggravate the tendon in question. Rest and ice treatments reduce inflammation and help the tendon heal. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to eliminate any discomfort.

If these at-home remedies for tendonitis don’t work, your provider may suggest a more aggressive treatment, which may include:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Splint, brace, or sling

Depending on the severity of your case, your tendonitis may last a few weeks to a few months.

In some rare cases, your Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services provider may recommend surgery if the tendon is so damaged it’s unlikely to heal on its own. If your tendonitis is accompanied by extreme pain and swelling as well as significant loss of motion, you may have ruptured a tendon. If so, you need immediate medical attention.

When tendonitis is interfering with your ability to lead an active life, contact the team at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.