Tendonitis is your body’s way of complaining that you’ve pushed it too hard. The condition produces symptoms that can make you contemplate seeing a doctor. But is it necessary?
Let’s get a better insight into tendonitis—its causes, symptoms, and treatment—and find out if you should see a physician for it.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendons are thick bands of connected tissues found throughout your body. Your tendons and muscles work together to allow you to move various body parts, such as your forearms, elbows, wrists, fingers, legs, feet, and toes. Your tendons also help keep your joints stable.
Tendonitis is an acute condition characterized by swelling, pain, and limited range of motion in the affected area. The condition occurs when a tendon becomes irritated and inflamed due to sudden or extreme exertion, overuse, or repetitive strain.
Types of Tendonitis
Your body has 4,000 tendons, each of which is a potential site for tendonitis. The condition has many types, but here are some of the most common.
- Achilles tendonitis
- De Quervain’s (wrist) tendonitis
- Golfer’s elbow
- Jumper’s knee
- Pitcher’s shoulder
- Swimmer’s shoulder
- Tennis elbow
How Do I Know If I Have Tendonitis?
Pain when moving your joint and inflammation are the typical symptoms of tendonitis. However, you may also notice or experience the following:
- Lack of strength in the affected area
- Lump along the tendon
- Snapping or crackling sensation when you move the affected area
- Warmth or redness at the area of the joint
Why Proper Tendonitis Treatment Requires a Visit to Your Doctor
If left untreated, tendonitis leaves you highly susceptible to a rupture, which potentially requires surgery. It is, therefore, in your best interest to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Your physician will thoroughly examine you to rule out other problems that may be contributing to your symptoms. X-rays or other imaging tests will likely be required for a definitive diagnosis.
Tendonitis Treatment Options
Your tendonitis treatment options will depend on several factors: the extent of your injury, the severity of your symptoms, the cause of your tendonitis, and your treatment goals.
Conservative treatment options include:
- Rest
- Cold and heat therapy
- Medicine such as painkillers and/or anti-inflammatory medication
- Compression
- Immobilization of the affected area
- Physical therapy
- Massage
- Stretching and exercise
Other forms of tendonitis treatment include the following:
· Shockwave therapy
This is a non-invasive treatment option that utilizes shock waves to remove calcium deposits or damaged tissue from the area and promote the growth of brand-new tissues.
· Regenerative medicine
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy both essentially boost your body’s natural healing response and concentrate it on a specific area of injury.
· Surgery
Surgical repair of the tendon may be required, especially if there’s a rupture.
Often, a combination of treatment approaches is necessary to achieve optimal results. Your physician will work with you to determine which combination is most appropriate to your specific situation.
Board-Certified, Highly Skilled Orthopedic Specialists in Palm Beach, FL
If you suspect that you have tendonitis, come and see us at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County, FL. Our board-certified orthopedic specialists are committed to exploring an extensive range of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to get you back to doing the things that you enjoy. They can evaluate, diagnose, and create a tendonitis treatment and rehabilitation plan that’s suitable to your situation.
To schedule an appointment or for more information about our orthopedic services, call us at (561) 733-5888 or use this online request form. We look forward to serving you!
