Chronic Tendonitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of a tendon, leading to ongoing tightness and pain that can range from mild to severe. This discomfort is typically more pronounced when you initiate movement but tends to ease as the muscles warm up.
Primary Causes of Chronic Tendonitis
The primary triggers for tendonitis encompass:
- Repetitive or extended activities
- Minor impacts on the affected area
- Injuries
- Age-related factors
Common Areas Affected by Tendonitis
While tendonitis can affect any tendon in the body, it's predominantly observed in:
- Shoulders
- Ankles
- Elbows
- Feet
How is Tendonitis Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider diagnoses tendonitis after a thorough physical examination and testing. They will:
- Take a complete medical history.
- Ask questions about your symptoms.
- Order imaging tests to view the tendons, including:
- An X-ray.
- An MRI.
Management and Treatment of Tendonitis
Initial Steps of Treatment:
- Ice the injured area immediately.
- Avoid activities that trigger symptoms.
- Rest the affected area.
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.
If there's no improvement in roughly three weeks, further treatments might include:
- Corticosteroid injections: These decrease inflammation and pain swiftly.
- Physical Therapy: This involves exercises to enhance range of motion and splinting. The primary focus is on:
- Reducing inflammation.
- Enhancing muscle mobility.
- Restoring movement, function, and strength.
- Checking other joints for potential mobility deficits contributing to tendonitis.
- Surgery: Reserved for severe cases unresponsive to other treatments.
Potential Side Effects:
Discuss with your healthcare provider potential side effects like:
- Pain at the corticosteroid injection site.
- Soreness post physical therapy.
- Possible bleeding or infections post-surgery.
Healing Time:
Tendonitis healing can range from two to three weeks. Severe cases might stretch over a few months. The quickest recovery route is rest, avoiding strenuous exercises, and following your healthcare provider's advice.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
How to Prevent Tendonitis?
- Change positions frequently; take a break every 30 minutes.
- Adopt the correct posture for all tasks.
- Approach objects frontally when picking them up.
- Ensure a firm grip, but avoid squeezing too tightly.
- Use both hands for heavy objects; avoid one-sided weight.
- Avoid sitting with a leg folded under you.
- Cease activities that cause pain.
Reducing the Risk of Tendonitis
Before exercise or sporting activities, always:
- Stretch and warm-up.
- Wear appropriately sized clothing, shoes, and gear.
- Start at a mild pace, increasing activity gradually.
- Stop if you feel any pain.
