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How Do I Know If I Have Tendinitis?

Your physician may order X-rays and bone scans to rule out bone damage. MRI scans can help determine the severity of damage to a tendon but are usually unnecessary.

What Are the Treatments?

The goals of treatment are to restore movement to the joint without pain and to maintain strength in surrounding muscles while giving the tissues time to heal. Adequate rest is crucial. Returning too soon to the activity that caused the injury can lead to chronic tendinitis or torn tendons.

Conventional Medicine

s an immediate treatment for tendinitis, doctors and physical therapists recommend what is known as the RICE program: rest, ice, compression and elevation. They may also suggest aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) to help inflammation and pain. Ultrasound and whirlpool treatments are employed to relax muscles and tendons, improve circulation and promote healing. Occasionally, your doctor may discuss injecting corticosteroids (a stronger anti-inflammatory drug) around the tendon.

Your therapist will probably propose an exercise plan that rests the tendon while strengthening nearby muscle groups and maintaining overall muscle tone. Only gradually will you begin to exercise the tendon itself. Your program may also include "eccentric" exercises, in which you gradually increase use of the injured area, stopping at the first sign of pain. You may work into easy stretching exercises, done several times a day.

Surgery may be necessary in chronic cases unresponsive to the conventional interventions.

How Can I Prevent It?

Include warm up and cool down exercises and stretches in your exercise routine. Vary your exercises.

 

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