What is Tendonitis?March 1, 2016
Tendonitis (or tendinitis) is a problem commonly experienced by athletes, active people and the elderly. If caught early, tendonitis is easy to treat. Knowing the symptoms and understanding the problem will help you recognize when treatment is necessary.
Tendonitis is a sudden, short-term inflammation of the tendon. This condition is an injury, not a disease. Tendonitis can occur in different parts of the body, and is often referred to by the area of the body where the problem is located (for example, Achilles tendinitis is a form of tendinitis that occurs in the Achilles tendon).
Tendonitis is generally caused by overuse of the tendon. Some common causes of tendonitis include:
- Sports. People who play sports (particularly adults) are susceptible to this painful condition, because many organized sports involve intense physical activity and repetition. Golfing, swimming and baseball are all common sports that can result in tendonitis.
- Occupational overuse. Occupations that involve repetitive motions, heavy vibrations, awkward positions and overhead reaching can all cause tendonitis. For example, painters may get a form of tendonitis called “painter’s elbow.”
- Age. Many older people can get tendonitis because their tendons weaken and lose elasticity as they age. Elderly people may show symptoms even if they’re engaging in fewer physical activities and using their muscles and tendons less than younger people.
Symptoms of Tendonitis
The common symptoms include:
- Pain in the affected area.
- Redness around the tendon.
- Swelling in the affected area.
- A feeling that the tendon is grating in the joint as it moves.
- A hard lump in the area directly over the tendon.
The common treatments for tendinitis include:
- Cold therapy and heat therapy. Cold packs can be used to reduce inflammation, while heat packs can increase blood flow to the affected areas and help the body to heal.
- Rest. Physical rest is one of the best cures for painful tendons. Reducing or ceasing all use of the affected area gives the body a chance to heal.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapists can help patients engage in stretches and exercises that will improve mobility and strengthen the muscle, helping to speed the healing process.
- Steroid injections. Injecting the muscle with a steroid can alleviate symptoms, but this treatment must be used wisely because it can weaken the tendon, leading to a rupture.
Contact a Skilled Physician Today
Tendinitis is a serious condition that requires proper care in order to heal. Patients suffering from tendon pain should seek treatment as soon as the condition is diagnosed. Delaying treatment can lead the tendon to rupture, a condition that requires surgery.
If you believe that you may be affected by tendinitis in your ankles or feet, contact Anchorage Foot and Ankle Clinic right away. Our skilled and experienced podiatrist, Dr. Kaufman, will be happy to diagnose your condition and get you the treatment you need to make a full recovery. For more information, call us today at (907) 344-2155.