Tendonitis causes over 70,000 men and women to miss work each year, but 80% of overuse injuries see a full recovery with proper treatment. Jerome Carter, MD, at Advanced Pain Management Specialists in Baytown, Texas, provides advanced therapies to address even the most complex tendonitis issues and support the healing process. If you have pain that could be tendonitis, call Advanced Pain Management Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.
What is tendonitis?
When you have tendonitis, sometimes spelled tendonitis, you have a problem with a tendon.
Tendons are the fibrous and tough bands of tissue connecting your bones to your muscles. If tendonitis develops, you have a tendon that’s irritated or inflamed and begins thickening near the affected joint.
Tendonitis can cause several symptoms in your tendon, including:
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Redness, heat, or swelling
- Grinding or creaking with movement
These symptoms can remain isolated to the area where your tendon attaches to the bone, or move along the tendon itself. tendonitis symptoms can last for a few days, weeks, or months.
What causes tendonitis?
Most cases of tendonitis develop because of repetitive motion or overuse, but you can also have tendonitis as a result of an injury. This painful problem is most common in your heels, knees, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, but it can also appear anywhere in your body.
There are several common types of tendonitis conditions, including:
- Golfer’s or tennis elbow
- Pitcher’s or swimmer’s shoulder
- Jumper’s knee
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
Anyone can develop tendonitis, but your risks are higher if you’re growing older, participate in certain sports, or have a job with awkward movements or repetitive motions.
How do you diagnose and treat tendonitis?
Dr. Carter can diagnose tendonitis by conducting a thorough physical exam, considering your personal and medical histories, and reviewing your symptoms. They might also order digital imaging tests, such as X-rays, to look for underlying conditions that could be triggering your symptoms.
The main focus of tendonitis treatment is reducing pain and inflammation. Based on your specific condition, Dr. Carter might suggest several therapies, such as:
- Medications like anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
Dr. Carter might also recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This approach to treating tendonitis can support your recovery and reduce your chances of having additional problems. If your condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, they might recommend dry needling to trigger the healing process in your tendon or surgery to repair severe damage.
To learn more about tendonitis treatments, call Advanced Pain Management Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.