Tendinitis is caused by inflammation of the tendons & it results in pain, swelling, and decrease in range of motion. Treatment includes rest, ice pack and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy can help in the healing process by addressing any muscle imbalances. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or, in some rare case, surgery may be necessary. Timely treatment from an expert orthopedic surgeon in ludhiana is a key to ensuring a successful recovery and preventing long-term issues. Continue reading to discover more about the symptoms and optimal treatment strategies for this condition.
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is a medical condition in which there is inflammation of tendons, which are strong connective tissues linking muscles to bones. This inflammation results in acute pain and sensitivity, hindering movement in the impacted joint. Tendinitis can cause in any tendon, with prevalence in the shoulder, knee, elbow, heel, and wrist. Notable examples include Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and pitcher’s shoulder. Therefore, it requires treatment from an experienced orthopedic surgeon in ludhiana.
Types of Tendinitis
There exist various forms of Tendinitis, that occur in multiple regions of the body. Tendinitis is categorized according to the specific affected area as outlined below.
- Achilles tendinitis:- Achilles tendinitis is a prevalent overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the fibrous band linking calf muscles to the heel bone in the lower leg. This condition frequently affects runners who have suddenly changed the intensity or duration of their runs, as well as middle-aged individuals who engage in weekend sports like tennis or basketball. The majority of cases of Achilles tendinitis can be effectively managed with home care under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In more severe cases of Achilles tendinitis, there is a possibility of tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgery.
- Golfer’s elbow:- Golfer’s elbow is a condition characterized by pain at the point where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. This discomfort may extend to the forearm and wrist. The pain associated with golfer’s elbow should not discourage you from participating in your usual activities. With proper rest and appropriate treatment, you can return to your favourite pastimes without any difficulty.
- Patellar tendinitis:- Patellar tendinitis, commonly referred to as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects the tendon connecting the patella to the shinbone. This injury typically occurs in athletes engaged in activities that require repetitive jumping, such as basketball and volleyball. Nevertheless, individuals not involved in such sports can also develop patellar tendinitis.
- Tennis elbow:- Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is a condition that may arise from the repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons in the elbow. This condition is frequently associated with repetitive movements of the wrist and arm.
Causes of Tendinitis:-
The main cause of tendinitis is any kind of injury or overuse of the body part. Other causes include:-
- Repetitive Activities:- If you do specific activities repeatedly that put stress on your tendon, it may result in tendinitis.
- Aging:- With increase in age, there is some kind of reduction in overall flexibility of tendons. This also causes tendinitis.
- Poor Posture:- During physical activities, if any part of the body is not in correct posture, it will give strain to your tendinitis.
- Medical problems:– Diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout will increase the risk of tendinitis.
- Certain jobs:– Different occupations such as plumbers, painters, carpenters and butchers can contribute to inflammation to tendons.
- Sudden increase in daily activities:– If there is a sudden increase in daily activities or workout, there may be possibility of tendinitis.
- Biomechanical Factors: Muscle imbalances, poor alignment, or structural issues affecting joint mechanics can contribute.
Symptoms of tendinitis:-
The presentation of tendinitis symptoms may differ based on the specific tendon involved; however, it is advisable to be mindful of certain general indicators, such as:-
- Pain:- The pain depends upon the type of tendinitis. The most common body parts include:- thumb, shoulder, hip, elbow, knee etc.
- Popping sound:- You may hear the popping or cracking sound whenever you move.
- Swelling:- You will see some swelling near the infected area.
- Reduce range of motion:- Tendinitis may result in a limited range of motion, which can reduce the ability to execute specific movements.
- Feel warm:– The inflamed area may exhibit a slight increase in temperature.
- Weakness:– You will feel weakness in the infected area.
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, consult the best orthopedic surgeon in Ludhiana so that they can diagnose your issue and provide the right kind of treatment accordingly.
How is it diagnosed?
During your scheduled appointment, a medical professional will inquire about your medical background and conduct a physical assessment of your affected part. Additionally, they will evaluate your sensitivity as well as flexibility.
Please ensure that you are ready to inform your physician of the following:
- Any recent or prior injuries
- Past and current sports and physical activities
- Previously identified medical conditions, and
- Any prescription drugs that you are currently taking.
If your physician is unable to reach a definitive diagnosis through a physical examination, they may prescribe further diagnostic tests. These tests may encompass:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
How can it be treated?
Tendinitis can be effectively managed and potentially resolved through a variety of treatment options. Presented below are several treatment options for Tendinitis.
● Resting enables the affected tendon to heal and reduces inflammation. It is important to slowly reintroduce activity while avoiding movements that worsen your symptoms.
● Physical therapy for Tendinitis aims to reduce pain, enhance flexibility, and build muscle strength.
● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate tendinitis discomfort by reducing inflammation and pain, providing relief for individuals experiencing discomfort.
● In cases of unresponsiveness to these conservative treatments, surgery may also be recommended. Surgery may include the removal of damaged tissue or repair of tendons according to type of tendinitis. When other methods prove ineffective, surgery is used for relieving pain, and improving overall quality of life.
The most important thing is to reach out to an experienced orthopedic surgeon in ludhiana so that your issue can be diagnosed at an early stage and you can get effective treatment.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Tanveer Singh Bhutani at Eva Hospital if you experience symptoms of tendinitis.
