A tendon is an anatomical structure that connects a muscle to a bone, and each muscle has one or more tendons at each end. The tendon is made of tough, rope-like fibers that sometimes develop inflammation called tendinitis.
This inflammation results from repetition of a certain movement, sometimes in the wrong position, or from constant exertion, or even from mechanical concussions.
Doesn’t it reveal a disease?
Tendinitis causes pain in the affected tendon when moving or pressing on it, and it can cause disability and appear at the slightest change of position. The doctor will detect this pain when palpating the area in question, and the area may be red and swollen in case of strong infection.
There will be no signs on the radiograph unless the tendinitis is old, when calcification can be observed.
Ultrasonography remains the best complementary examination and MRI may sometimes be necessary.
Resting the tendon to heal is a mis conception
The doctor may recommend resting the tendon and prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is preferable to use these drugs at the site of pain (cream, gel…).
It takes a long time for tendinitis to heal, and it will take longer the longer you ignore the disease.
Pain is a warning, and movements that cause pain should be avoided, as the latter indicates that the movement is hurting the tendon.
It is better to change the position or stop doing the movements whose repetition causes the appearance of pain, and of course it is forbidden to do some activities until the patient recovers.
On the other hand, it should be noted that not moving the tendon leads to its contraction, and thus this contraction leads to a decrease in the range of motion, and this stage should be avoided by doing simple movements.
The treatment is primarily to rest the tendon or move it to strengthen the muscle according to the severity of the injury, as well as to rehabilitate it and properly reactivate the tendon fibers. Surgery may only be used as a last resort.
Studies shown that ultrasound guided dry needling and ultrasound guided tendon fenestration is the best treatment to treat pain in patients who suffers from tendinitis in order to boost the body to self-heal and regenerate itself
Tennis player elbow
Tennis and pianists’ elbow tendinitis… It is pain in the outer part of the elbow that is very annoying in daily life as well as when doing some activities as well.
Rest is not always a panacea and it must be said that the elbow is particularly affected. A splint may be placed to rest and rehabilitate the affected tendon.
Tendinitis of the wrist
Pain appears at the level of the right wrist (for right-handed people) in people who use a computer mouse frequently and for a long time.
Sometimes it is enough to wrap the wrist around it to increase the thickness, such as the wrist sponge worn by tennis players, to adjust the angle drawn between the hand and the forearm, relieving the pain directly.
Replacing a computer mouse with a different shape can sometimes change the position of the hand and fingers and treat tendinitis. Some people quickly get used to using the mouse with the other hand.
Achilles’s tendonitis
This type of tendinitis is common and only affects athletes. Poor shoe arches can cause Achilles’s tendonitis, and rupture of the tendon should be avoided, so full rest is recommended and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.
Surgery is required for an Achilles tendon rupture. In fact, this tear leads to complete functional disability in the foot and the patient is unable to walk, so surgery becomes the only way to repair the tendon.
Shoulder tendinitis
Shoulder tendinitis is also common among athletes, such as basketball players, tennis players, and craftsmen who raise their hands while working (electricians…). Treatment can take a long time and requires a visit to doctors who are experts in shoulder rehabilitation.
To remember
Inflammation of the tendon is the damage of the latter, and the patient prefers to avoid turning this inflammation into a chronic disease that causes permanent damage to the tendon.
The best treatment remains to avoid making painful movements. Resting the affected tendon and muscle allows for a quick recovery without any consequences.
Always use the right treatment after diagnosing the problem
And do not forget to get in touch with one of our specialist in order to manage your pain and increase the functionality of your daily life activity