How to Treat Tendonitis
You can take several steps to treat tendonitis, such as resting the affected area, applying ice packs, and taking pain-relief medication. You can also wear a brace to support the affected area. Avoid soaking the area in hot baths, alcohol, and massages, which can increase swelling. Nevertheless, it is essential to maintain some movement. Eventually, rehabilitation exercises can restore the full function of the tendon.
Treatment options
Treatment for tendonitis can vary, depending on its cause and severity. Medications can help reduce pain and inflammation, and resting the affected tendon can allow it to heal. The most important aspect of treatment is avoiding repetitive motions that aggravate the condition. Other treatment options include wearing a splint or brace, sure
teaching exercises, and professional massage therapy.
Acupuncture can help relieve pain by increasing blood circulation to the tendon. This helps relieve inflammation and release endorphins and serotonin, the body's natural pain relievers. Physical therapy, such as a therapeutic stretching routine, can also help strengthen surrounding muscles and reduce the risk of tendonitis.
If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be necessary. However, this procedure is only recommended for severe cases of tendonitis. Surgery is usually simple and can be done as an outpatient procedure so that you can return home the same day. During surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision to evaluate the damage to the tendon. The surgeon then stitches the tendon together. If the tendon damage is extensive, the surgeon may need to use a tendon graft from another body area to reconstruct the damaged tendon.
X-rays and ultrasounds are also commonly used to diagnose tendonitis. These tests can help a doctor determine the location of calcium deposits around the tendon and swelling in the tendon sheath. After determining the cause of the tendonitis, a treatment plan can be developed. The goal of treatment is to minimize pain and inflammation. Conservative treatment options may include stretching, ice, and OTC pain medication.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tendonitis is often tricky because tendons are soft tissues not visible on X-rays. However, MRI scans can reveal tears or swelling of the tendon sheath. A doctor may also order blood tests to rule out autoimmune conditions. In addition, rest and ice treatments are effective in reducing pain and swelling.
Generally, people with a history of repetitive movements are at greater risk for tendonitis. The symptoms of tendonitis include pain or tenderness at the attachment site of the tendon to the bone. The pain may increase with movement and cause mild swelling around the sore joint. Pain can also be relieved with an injection of an anesthetic. Lastly, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation.
During the initial examination, your physician will ask you questions about your current health and whether you have experienced similar symptoms in the past. They will also want to know if you've had any previous surgeries or injuries and whether you've tried various pain-relief methods. Your physician may also examine the affected area and recommend physical therapy or other treatment methods.
Treatment of tendonitis can be a lengthy process. Although it is often mild, if left untreated, tendonitis can become severe and require surgery to repair the injured tendon. Early treatment with physical therapy can help the tendon become more flexible and robust, which may help reduce pain. If you're still experiencing pain, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the swelling. A doctor may prescribe surgery if the inflammation does not respond to other forms of treatment.
