Identifying, Caring for And Healing Tendonitis Symptoms

By Tom Nicholson

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons. Your tendons, of course, are the tough fibrous tissues which connect your bones to your muscles. If you've suffered from this condition, then you are already aware that tendonitis symptoms can be anywhere from a minor irritation to excruciating. How severe the pain is all depends in a number of factors. These include whether you're unconsciously aggravating the condition through movement of the affected tendon, how much strain you place on it and even whether you drink enough water. If you think that your pain may be one of your tendonitis symptoms, then keep reading to learn about some of the most common signs of tendonitis.

Restricted Range Of Motion

One sign of tendonitis is having difficulty moving the affected part of your body. For example, if you are afflicted with tendonitis in your shoulder, you may have trouble lifting your arm over your head.

Painful Movement

In the early stages of tendonitis, symptoms such as pain may happen only when strain is placed on the inflamed tendon. Your tendons can be strained by any repetitive motion or strenuous activity including sports or physically demanding work.

Pain

As tendonitis progresses you may find the affected area is painful more consistently, even when not in use. The area might become slightly swollen and even painful to the touch.

Burning Sensations

A burning sensation in the area is another common symptom. This is more common after you've been doing physical activities or late at night. To prevent tendonitis symptoms such as this burning sensation, the best thing to do is simply to rest this tendon.

Other Considerations

It is important to note that tendonitis symptoms closely match symptoms of other disorders. Bursitis, arthritis and even carpal tunnel syndrome. If you notice increased tenderness or pain in a specific area especially after repetitive use, you should see your doctor to determine the cause.

Treatment

As with any sort of injury, prevention is the best treatment of all. Preventing tendonitis symptoms from affecting you starts with knowing how this condition can be caused. As the most common cause of this problem is the strain caused by repetitive motion, it is important to refrain from overdoing it. Tennis elbow and other common sports injuries are actually forms of tendonitis, so athletes should be especially vigilant and avoid repetitive motions which can lead to tendonitis.

Prevention

Use ergonomic ally correct furniture and sports equipment while at work and play

* Stay healthy

Know your limits and don't overdo things

Don't strain your joints by trying to stretch well past your range of motion

Do not place too much strain on any one joint

Treatment

* Ice packs for lessening inflammation

Splints or wraps to prevent worsening the injury through continuing to move the affected area

Anti-inflammatory medications

* Ultra sound therapy

Physical therapy

Cortisone injections (in severe cases)

Surgery

Any and all treatment steps should be with the knowledge and cooperation of your family physician. As stated above there are other issues that can cause similar symptoms and you need to be sure it is tendonitis symptoms you are dealing with, before you treat. - 30453

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here