Tendinitis can occur in almost any part of the body where a tendon connects a bone to a muscle. Learn the steps to treat - and avoid - this common ailment.
Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle. Most often caused by repetitive impact on an affected area, the injury can sometimes result from sudden, more serious impact or activities.
Tendinitis or tendonitis, as some people refer to it, can be extremely painful and frustratingly slow to heal but there are simple treatment options available that work well. There are also steps that people can take to avoid this injury in the first place.
Diagnosing Tendinitis
The most common spots for tendinitis include the base of the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and Achilles tendon. All forms of tendinitis cause pain, swelling, and warmth or tenderness in the tendon area involved. The condition may present gradually as a result of overuse or suddenly if aggressive activity is performed.
pain is one of the most noticeable things that will drive people to get care. As the website points out, the pain in the early stages is felt within the tendon itself. A person will feel pain at rest, which will increase with movement and stretching. Another tell-tale sign is when squeezing the tendon or putting pressure on the tendon causes discomfort. Though not often noticeable in the early stages, swelling is another symptom of tendinitis.
In the case of those living with tendinitis in the ankle, for example, the main tendons in the ankle that can get irritated are located near the rounded bones on the inside and outside of the ankle and near the back of the ankle at the heel.
Treating Tendinitis
Some treatments for tendinitis are obvious, such as avoiding activities that caused the pain in the first place. Beyond that, many doctors, physical therapists and other athletes will advise practicing RICE – rest the injured area, ice the affected location, compress the spot with an Ace bandage and elevate the pained body part above the level of the heart. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can also effectively relieve pain and inflammation.
If the pain does not subside within a week, one should make an appointment with a physician who can offer corticosteroid injections, physical therapy or surgery – which is only rarely needed for the most serious of cases.
Avoiding Tendinitis
There are several steps that athletes of every ability can take to help reduce the chances of developing tendinitis. These include gradually building up one’s activity level, particularly if new to exercise. Limiting force and repetitions is another sure-fire way to keep one’s tendons, muscles and bones in good working order. Above all else, one should stop exercising immediately if any unusual pain occurs, trying another activity for at least one day before resuming an action that has caused discomfort. Failure to do so can result in a rupture or a tear, which will often lead to surgical repair.
Keep Moving to Stay Healthy
No matter what body part is affected by tendinitis, the most important thing to remember is to keep a joint moving in pain-free ranges of motion to keep it from becoming stiff or painful. By gently stretching muscles and using ice or NSAID pain relievers, most find they can return to their normal exercise within a few weeks. Moderation of movement and listening to one’s body are the best prescriptions for a healthy, active lifestyle and injury avoidance.
For more details please contact:
Dr. Prateek Gupta (Senior Surgeon)
Arthroscopy Surgery Clinic
C2/5 Safdarjung Development Area (SDA),
Aurobindo Marg,
Telephones: +91 9810852876, +91 11 26517776
24 x 7 Helpline & Appointment: +91 9810633876
Email: sportsmedicinedelhi@yahoo.com,
sportsmedicineclinics@gmail.com
Website: http://www.sportsmedicineclinicdelhi.com/arthroscopy.htm,
0 comments:
Post a Comment