If you’re experiencing inflammation and discomfort in your tendons, you’re likely suffering from a condition known as tendonitis. Those who live an active lifestyle, or engage in hobbies or employment that involve repetitive movement, are most at risk of developing this condition. While tendinitis may begin as mere discomfort, it can indicate potentially serious complications if left untreated. Learn about the symptoms of tendonitis, its causes, and the treatment options available at MD West ONE.
Discovering Tendonitis, Its Causes, and Treatments
Mild cases of tendonitis aren’t uncommon. They can occur when you overwork a tendon over time or put it under significant strain. It occurs when the fibrous bands that connect our muscles to bones and other structures become irritated and inflamed. Tendonitis can range in severity from mild to needing surgical intervention. Understanding the causes of tendonitis can help you avoid developing it or reducing its severity when it does occur.
Some indicators that you may be at increased risk of developing tendonitis include:
- Overuse and Repetitive Motion – Putting excessive strain on a tendon can lead to the development of tendonitis. Overuse often occurs as part of sports activities or hard manual labor. Repetitive use includes consistent typing, swinging a tennis racket, or moving the same way repeatedly.
- Age and Degeneration – Tendons weaken over time, making them more susceptible to injury as we age.
- Improper Technique or Training – While some activities increase your risk of tendonitis simply by participating in them, the situation can worsen if done improperly. Incorrect form while exercising or performing repetitive activities incorrectly can lead to the development of tendonitis.
- Medical Conditions – Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes may increase your chance of developing tendonitis.
It’s crucial to catch tendonitis when it initially occurs to ensure minimal risk of long-term complications. Some warning signs you may be developing tendonitis include:
- Pain And Tenderness – Tendonitis manifests as pain localized to the region of the body where the condition exists.
- Swelling and Inflammation – Areas of the body being impacted by tendonitis will exhibit swelling and excessive warmth indicating the presence of inflammation.
- Stiffness – Tendons impacted by tendonitis often exhibit an impaired range of motion due to stiffness. Moving the impacted area generally increases discomfort as well.
- Weakness – Due to the impacted functionality of the impacted tendon, the area tends to exhibit weakness as part of the symptoms.
These are the primary indicators of tendonitis. These symptoms can increase over time if left untreated.
How We Treat Tendonitis at MD West ONE
You’ll receive various treatment options when you come to MD West ONE for tendonitis treatment. We begin with conservative approaches such as rest, activity modification, and physical therapy. You may be provided with assistive devices, including braces, splints, and crutches, to improve the odds of success. We’ll provide additional options such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided injections, and minimally invasive surgical procedures when necessary. If you’re ready to start managing your symptoms of tendonitis and receiving outstanding care, call us at (402) 390-4111 to schedule your consultation today. You’ll meet with our staff at one of our four locations to begin your care.
