What is tendonitis? How is it treated? What symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor?

What is Tendinitis? How is it Treated? What Symptoms Demand a Doctor's Visit?

Tendinitis is a common condition affecting all ages, especially those who perform repetitive physical activities such as office workers, athletes, or those who do manual labor. Many people experience

joint or muscle aches and pains, often considering it normal. However, if left untreated, tendonitis can become a chronic problem and significantly impact daily life.

What is Tendinitis?

A tendon is a tissue that attaches muscles to bones.
Tendonitis occurs due to repetitive use or injury, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain in the tendon.

Common locations for tendonitis include:

• Shoulder tendons
• Elbow tendons
• Wrist tendons
• Knee tendons
• Achilles tendons

Common Causes of Tendinitis:

• Repetitive use of joints or muscles for extended periods
• Working or exercising in improper postures
• Lifting heavy objects or overexerting oneself
• Lack of muscle stretching
• Increasing age leads to tendon degeneration

Symptoms of tendonitis can vary depending on the location, but generally include:

• Pain in the joint or muscle when moving or using it
• Tenderness on palpation
• Some people may experience swelling or stiffness.
• Pain worsens with repetitive use.
• Symptoms do not improve even with rest.

How is tendonitis treated?

Treatment for tendonitis depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the inflammation.

Treatment guidelines:

• Rest the affected area for 1-2 weeks.
• Medication to reduce pain and inflammation as prescribed by a doctor.
• Physical therapy to restore tendon and muscle function.
• Modification of work habits or exercise.
• Local injection in cases where symptoms do not improve.

If the tendonitis is severe or there is a tear, the doctor may consider other appropriate treatments on an individual basis.

When should you see a doctor?
You should see a specialist if you have the following symptoms:

• Chronic tendon or joint pain lasting more than 1-2 weeks.
• Pain that worsens even when you stop using the area.
• Weakness or limited joint movement.
• Pain after an accident or injury.

Early detection and treatment reduce the chance of chronic conditions and recurring injury.

Proper care for tendonitis.

Tendonitis is not a minor issue. Proper care from the onset of symptoms can lead to faster recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. Consulting a specialist can help determine the cause and the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

The Orthopedic and Joint Center

provides comprehensive examination, diagnosis, and treatment of tendonitis and bone and joint diseases by a team of specialists, with appropriate and safe care plans for each patient.
If you experience tendon or joint pain from work or repetitive use, early treatment is key to preventing chronic problems in the future.