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Treatment of Tendinitis

Tendinitis develops when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, causing pain. The condition can develop in any tendon, which is a cord attaching a muscle to a bone, but it is most prevalent in the shoulders, elbows, heels and wrists. Injuries such as sprains or strains can cause tendinitis, but more often, the condition develops from overuse or repetitive motion. Common symptoms of the condition include pain and tenderness of the affected area. In some cases, some mild to moderate swelling may also develop.

  1. Medications

    • Tendinitis can be a painful condition, so over-the-counter pain relievers are commonly a first step for treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve and Advil are a good choice for pain relief. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid as treatment. Topical versions of corticosteroids are available to be applied to the affected area, but injections are another option. Injections do pose some risks, though, because repeated injections can weaken the tendon and make it more likely to rupture.

    Home Care

    • Rest is an important part of treating tendinitis. To rest the affected area, avoid any activities that cause pain. To help alleviate the pain, ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times each day. While icing the area, try to keep it elevated above the heart to help prevent or reduce swelling. In the event the area is swollen, wrap it with bandages or wraps until the swelling subsides.

    Therapy

    • In some cases, a physical therapist can help people with tendinitis by developing a set of exercises to strengthen the affected tendon and the surrounding muscle groups. These exercises, which might include weight-bearing or range-of-motion activities, will likely need to be repeated regularly to build up strength and help avoid the pain from tendinitis.

    Surgery

    • In severe cases or when the tendon has ruptured, surgical repair may be necessary. When tendinitis affects mobility or when the tendon has completely detached, surgical repair can help restore normal function. It's important to note that surgery is not normally used to treat tendinitis. Most cases of the condition can be effectively treated with rest and pain relievers.

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