Understanding Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when the tendon (a thick cord that attaches muscle to bone) become inflamed. This condition can cause pain, tenderness and difficulty moving the affected join. Most often, tendinitis affects the shoulder, elbow, wrist or heel. Tendinitis is most commonly caused as a result of an injury, repetitive movement, aging, or certain diseases like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs of Tendinitis
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have tendinitis:

• A dull ache surrounding the affected area or joint
• Increased pain when moving the joint
• Tenderness and increased pain to the touch
• Tightness that makes it difficult to move the affected area
• Swelling

Treating Tendinitis
There are several things you can do to reduce pain and inflammation in the tendon, including:

• Elevating and resting the tendon
• Intermittent application of cold and heat
• Over-the-counter medication like aspirin or ibuprofen
• Wearing a compression bandage to ease swelling
• Exercises to build strength in the area such as stretching and straightening

If your pain persists, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor. He or she may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation, wearing a splint or brace, physical therapy, or outpatient surgery to remove inflammatory tissue.

Tendinitis Prevention
To reduce your chances of developing tendinitis, take these simple steps:

• Warm up before exercise
• Maintain good posture when sitting at your desk
• Avoid repetitive motion and overuse
• Stay active to build muscle tone
• Use the right equipment in the workplace and while playing sports