Facts On Tendon Pain

Tendons connect various muscles in the body to joint bones. Hence, most tendon pain (tendinopathy) occurs in joints such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, ankle and hip. Tendon pain can be mild to severe and is sometimes caused by tendonitis. Tendon pain can cause stiffness, constant aching, a loss of strength and sometimes inflammation in the joints. The pain sometimes radiates to adjacent muscles (i.e., rotator cuff pain can radiate to trapezius muscle). Treatment can include topical applications, medications, massage and exercise.

Considerations

• Some alternative medicine practitioners, such as Dr. Peter Zeischegg, chiropractic neurologist and owner of Drz.org, contend that tendon pain can be caused by an overgrowth of candida albicans. Candida albicans is a diploid fungus that lives naturally in the digestive tract and colon. This overproduction can be spurred by an overuse of antibiotics, corticosteroids, birth control pills, stress, poor diet and even chlorinated water. Tendon pain is believed to occur when the fungus, its toxins and parasites enter the blood stream and invade cells and tissues.

Function

• Since tendons are attached to joint bones, which are protected by cartilage and bursa fluid, overusing a muscle can cause friction between the bone and tendon. This can irritate the tendon and cause inflammation and pain. For example, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is usually caused when tendons in the elbow area rub against the lateral epicondyle bone (the prominent bone on outside forearm).

Rest and Ice

• Resting inflamed and painful tendons prevents further aggravation of the injury. Ice causes vasoconstriction, which limits the amount of blood flow and fluids in the area, thus reducing pain and swelling. Ice is usually applied at 20-minute intervals, several times per day. Ice packs can ensure that the ice is compressed against the affected tendon. Elevating an inflamed tendon above the level of your heart can also help reduce swelling and pain.

Other Treatments

• Taking ibuprofen or naproxen can alleviate tendon pain. These medications serve as Cox-2 inhibitors, which prevent these enzymes from triggering prostagladins (chemicals), the body's natural response to tendon strains or injuries. Limiting the body's natural reaction will alleviate inflammation and pain. Topical creams, such as Bengay, can also provide relief for tendon pain. Your doctor might prescribe steroids if tendon pain becomes too severe or prevents you from working. Once swelling has subsided, stretching the tendon can relieve tightness and pain. Stretching exercises and light weightlifting can also promote blood flow to the area, which aids healing. Massage therapy also can relieve tendon pain and foster the healing process.

Time Frame

• There is no set time frame for overcoming tendon pain. Those who take a more proactive approach or use multiple treatments for healing can expedite the process. It is best to contact a doctor if pain persists several weeks after you have tried treating it.