About this topic
A tendon is a thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. Tendonitis happens when these cords become inflamed or swollen. Certain tendons are more likely to get irritated. These are tendons of the hand, shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Injury
- Using the tendon over and over
- Infection
What can make this more likely to happen?
- As people age, their tendons are less flexible
- Work that has repeat motions, awkward positions, often reaching overhead, and forceful exertion
- Playing sports like baseball, basketball, bowling, golf, and tennis
What are the main signs?
- Pain when you touch the affected tendon
- Pain when you move that part of your body
- Swelling
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel around the painful part. The doctor may push, pull, and have you move the painful part. This will help your doctor check your motion and strength. The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray
- CT or MRI scan
- Ultrasound
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Keeping the painful part raised
- Compress or wrapping the swollen area to help with pain
- Sling or splint to keep the affected area from moving
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Surgery may be needed if there is very bad damage to the tendon or if no other treatment works.
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Your doctor may give you drugs to control the illness that is causing the swelling.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Some stretches may help prevent the problem from happening again. These may need to be done even when you have recovered.
- Stretching before certain activities may also help.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
Avoid any activity that makes the pain worse. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Warm up slowly and stretch your muscles before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Avoid overusing your arm in an overhead position.
- Avoid running on hard surfaces.
- Wear shoes with good support. Do not go barefoot.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles healthy.
Where can I learn more?
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/tendinitis/ ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bursitis/bursitis_tendinitis_ff.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚