Tendonitis Specialist

What is tendonitis?

Tendonitis is an often-painful condition that occurs because of inflammation or irritation of one of your tendons. Tendons are thick, fibrous cords attached to muscle and bone. Tendonitis commonly appears in your heels, knees, wrists, elbows, or shoulders.

Common injuries linked with tendonitis include:

• Swimmer’s shoulder
• Pitcher’s shoulder
• Golfer’s elbow
• Tennis elbow
• Jumper’s knee

Much of the time, conservative treatments help ease tendonitis and its symptoms. However, if you have a more severe tendon injury, you may need surgery. 

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Common symptoms associated with tendonitis include:

• Tenderness
• Mild swelling
• Dull aching pain
• Pain with joint movement

Without the proper treatment, complications occurring with tendonitis include degenerative tendon changes, tendon rupture, more severe pain, and the need for surgery.

What are common risk factors for tendonitis?

Tendonitis is common, and anyone can develop it. However, some factors increase your risk of getting tendonitis, including:

• Overtraining
• Playing sports
• Repetitive motions
• Tendon stress
• Older age
• Physically demanding job
• Frequent overhead lifting
• Awkward positions
• Forceful exertions

To reduce your chance of developing tendonitis, avoid placing excessive stress on your tendons and joints. Don’t overtrain, use proper exercise and lifting techniques, and warm-up and stretch before and after physical activity.

How does my provider diagnose tendonitis?

Your Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants provider can usually diagnose tendonitis after discussing your symptoms and completing a physical exam. They evaluate affected joints and other tissues to look for swelling and tenderness. Your specialist might order X-rays or other imaging procedures to detect or rule out additional musculoskeletal problems. 

What are common treatments for tendonitis?

The specialists at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants could recommend one or more of the following tendonitis treatments for you:

Home care

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy is sometimes all that’s needed to reduce tendonitis inflammation and pain. Your provider may also recommend switching up your workout routine or wearing a brace.

Medications

Taking certain medicines can reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with tendonitis. 

Injections

The providers at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants offer steroid, stem cell, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to stimulate cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and maximize healing.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy sessions with the experts at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants can help you strengthen targeted tissues, speed up healing, and reduce your risk of future injuries. 

Other procedures

Dry needling, ultrasonic treatment using sound waves, and surgical procedures are additional options available at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants for relieving tendonitis discomfort.

To find out if you have tendonitis and achieve the pain relief you deserve, call the Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants office or book an appointment online today.