Understanding, Caring for And Treating Tendonitis Symptoms
November 18, 2009 3:56 am carpal tunnel syndromeTendonitis is a condition where the tendons; the fibrous tissue which connect your muscles to the skeletal system are inflamed. If you’ve ever experienced tendonitis yourself, then you know that tendonitis symptoms can include pain which ranges from mild to severe. The factors which affect the severity of this pain include how much strain is placed on the tendon, whether or not you’re adequately hydrated and others, including unconscious movement of the muscles attached to the inflamed tendon. If you’re experiencing pain which you are unsure but suspect may be tendonitis symptoms, this article is for you - read on for a few of the characteristic signs of tendonitis.
Restricted Range Of Motion
One sign of tendonitis is having difficulty moving the affected part of your body. For example, if you are afflicted with tendonitis in your shoulder, you may have trouble lifting your arm over your head.
Pain While Moving
In the early stages of tendonitis, symptoms such as pain may happen only when strain is placed on the inflamed tendon. Your tendons can be strained by any repetitive motion or strenuous activity including sports or physically demanding work.
Pain
When your tendonitis progresses, this can cause persistent pain, whether or not you’re actually straining the tendon at the moment. You might also experience pain when you touch the area and notice that there is some swelling in the area.
Burning Sensation
Many feel a burning sensation in the affected area; usually occurring at night or immediately after engaging in strenuous activity. The best way to prevent this and other tendonitis symptoms is to let the affected area rest.
Other Symptoms
One thing to keep in mind is that tendonitis symptoms can be very similar to those of arthritis, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. You should see your physician for a diagnosis if you find yourself experiencing pain or tenderness in a certain part of your body, particularly if this occurs following repetitive use.
Treatment
As with any sort of injury, prevention is the best treatment of all. Preventing tendonitis symptoms from affecting you starts with knowing how this condition can be caused. As the most common cause of this problem is the strain caused by repetitive motion, it is important to refrain from overdoing it. Tennis elbow and other common sports injuries are actually forms of tendonitis, so athletes should be especially vigilant and avoid repetitive motions which can lead to tendonitis.
Prevention
Use ergonomic ally correct furniture and sports equipment while at work and play
* Stay healthy
* Stay within a normal range of motion
Don’t strain your joints by trying to stretch well past your range of motion
Do not place too much weight on any single joint
Treatment
* Ice packs for lessening inflammation
* Splints or wraps
* Anti-inflammatory medications
Ultrasound therapy
* Physical therapy to strengthen the area
Cortisone injections
Surgery
Any sort of treatment for your tendonitis symptoms should be done in consultation with your doctor. Since there are other conditions which can cause symptoms which are very similar, see your physician for a diagnosis before seeking any treatment.
Tom Nicholson spends his time helping carpal tunnel sufferers. Please click here to find out more about having asore wrist.
