How to Repair Tendons
Suffering an injury of one of the body's many tendons is a common and painful occurrence. Tendons can be be pulled, strained, and torn in varying degrees. While a full tear will most often require surgery, tendons that are less injured can be repaired with a series of relatively easy steps. Appropriately treating a tendon is essential to its proper recovery.Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatory drug
- Compression band
Instructions
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Tendon Treatment
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1
Rest the injured tendon. Rest is the most critical aspect of repairing a tendon that has been injured. The tendon should receive complete rest for at least 48 hours after the injury. Do not participate in sports or any other athletic activities until the tendon is properly healed.
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2
Ice the tendon. Apply ice to the tendon for 15 minutes per hour on the first day of the injury. On the following days, ice should be applied for 15 minutes every two to three hours. Be sure to wrap the ice in a cloth or towel when applying. Ice is essential to reducing the inflammation of the tendon.
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3
Take an anti-inflammatory. An aspirin or ibuprofen works well to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation of the tendon. Take one dose of the anti-inflammatory once every six hours.
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4
Wrap the tendon. Using an elastic compression bandage, wrap the tendon to keep it immobilized and in the proper position to heal. Do not overtighten the bandage, or you can cut off circulation of the blood. The compression of the tendon ensures it is set correctly and reduces the chances of re-injury.
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5
Elevate the tendon. Keep the injured tendon elevated above the level of the heart. By doing this, you will reduce swelling and prevent the accumulation of blood around the tendon. Proper circulation of the blood is essential for quick and effective healing.
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6
Perform rehabilitation exercises. Your doctor can suggest a timetable for recovery and exercises to regain the full strength of the tendon. Be sure to stretch the tendon before exercising to avoid re-injury.
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