Tendonitis

Tendons are the thick strands of connective tissue that connect each muscle to a bone. The connection between the two results in the movement of the joints. When the tendon becomes stressed or inflamed, the condition is referred to as tendinitis. The most commonly affected joints can include shoulders, ankles, calves, wrists, and joints in the hands.

Causes

Tendinitis can have many causes. Athletic injuries and repetitive movements that often occur in the workplace are common. Stress, poor posture, metabolic disorders, conditions associated with arthritis, and poor body mechanics are just a few of the factors that can increase your risk of tendinitis. Certain types of medications may also increase your risk for tendinitis and other joint-related pain.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms associated with tendinitis are chronic pain, inflammation, and tenderness to the touch. The pain may worsen when the injured area is not properly supported or you try to use the joint before it is fully healed.

Treatment Options

In addition to over the counter pain/anti-inflammatories and corticosteroid injections, physical therapy is often recommended. Massage therapy may also be beneficial at restoring blood flow to the area without actually using the joint. Alternating hot and cold compresses during periods of rest is also helpful.

Resting the area and supporting it with a splint are the best ways to treat tendinitis. With the area properly supported, you will be able to resume your daily activities as long as you take care not to overdo it until it has properly healed. In most cases, the healing process can take from four to six weeks.