TENDONITIS

Tendons attach muscles to bones. Tendonitis is an overuse injury that develops slowly in the tendons. Tiny tears occur to a tendon when it is constantly overworked. The tendon becomes irritated resulting in swelling, heat, redness, and pain.

Sports that involve running and jumping can cause tendonitis in the knee, foot, or the calf. Causes of tendonitis vary. Wearing worn-out shoes, poor conditioning, or training mistakes are major factors, as are body problems like having bowlegs, one leg shorter than the other, or flat feet. The most common cause of tendonitis is increasing the duration or intensity of exercise too quickly.

Tendonitis in the knees can also occur from biking. Swimming, swinging a golf club, or pitching a ball can cause tendonitis in the shoulder. Tendonitis may also occur from repeated motion such as typing or using a hammer.

Often people try to endure the pain. They hope that it will simply go away. More serious symptoms may begin after these early symptoms are ignored. Occasional pain will change to constant aching, pain, and stiffness before, during, and after exercise. The pain gets worse and the tendon becomes tender to touch.

Self-care for tendonitis:

Temporarily stop the activity that is causing the problem.
Do 5 to 10 minute ice massage sessions on and off for a couple of hours.
Stretch to restore flexibility.
Continue aerobic activity that does not stress or cause pain to the injured area.
Do strengthening exercises, but only after symptoms are gone.
Cross train. Instead of doing only one sport, try swimming, rowing, jogging, biking, or skiing to prevent overuse injuries.

Take medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or NSAIDs, as directed on the label and if approved by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Seek medical care for tendonitis if the problem does not clear up within 2 weeks. Treatment and a recovery program are necessary for healing. Irritated tendons can rupture if left untreated. When this happens, a cast or surgery is needed. A recovery program should maintain or improve the person's pre-injury fitness. Be sure it includes strength, flexibility, and endurance activities.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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