Tendinitis is a swelling of a tendon which is usually caused by repetitive movements or having poor posture or technique when exercising or playing sports. Your doctor may also describe it as an RSI or repetitive strain injury. However, there are other RSI which needs to be ruled out before treatment. RSI includes strains such a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis and Neuritis which again can be ruled out very quickly by a musculoskeletal physician or local GP.
How do I know if I have Tendinitis?
Tendonitis is a localised pain which occurs at the point where a tendon attaches to a bone. Some symptoms include –
- Increased pain when moving
- Difficulty moving
- Grating or cracking sensation when moving the tendon
- Swelling, heat, and redness
As there are tendons all over your body, Tendonitis can occur in many places; however, we see it most commonly in the knees, elbows and shoulders.
How do I treat Tendinitis?
You can treat Tendinitis at home, but if the symptoms continue after one to two weeks and you have exhausted all advice given, then we would advise you speak to a musculoskeletal physician who will be able to provide a treatment to aid recovery.
First steps to recovery –
- Avoid movement for the first 2-3 days.
- Apply an ice pack to the area for at least 20 minutes every two to three hours.
- Compress the area using a bandage or brace.
- Take over-the-counter meds such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen to help ease the pain.
- Keep the affected area elevated as much as possible.
When you start to feel some improvements in your recovery, return to your normal day to day activities, gradually. Avoid heavy lifting, twisting actions or firm gripping until your tendon is fully recovered. Avoid returning to your exercise regime until you know you are fully recovered. This may take up to two weeks.
My Tendintits won’t heal, what do I do next?
If you are not healing and the pain is either the same or worsening, you will need to contact a musculoskeletal physician or sports doctors to seek further treatment.
You may be prescribed a stronger pain killer or physiotherapy for your next stage of recovery.
However, there are other treatments which can be offered for the more severe cases of Tendinitis. These include –
You may also be referred for surgery if you have a ruptured tendon which will not heal without extensive treatment.
If you need to know more about the treatments we provide or simply would like to book in for an appointment, get in touch today.
