Tendinitis, also known as tendonitis, refers to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are the thick, cord-like structures that attach your muscles to your bones. Tendinitis usually results from repetitive motions or frequent minor impacts, but a sudden injury can also lead to tendinitis in some cases. Sports, gardening, housework, job-related physical activities, and any other repetitive motions can all lead to tendinitis. Poor posture, not stretching or not warming up properly before physical activity, and other factors can also increase a person’s likelihood of developing tendinitis.
If you are experiencing pain, limited motion, or other issues around the tendons in your shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, Achilles tendon, or thumb, our specialists at California Orthopedics & Spine may be able to help.
Tendinitis Treatment
When a tendon in your arm, leg, foot, or another body part becomes inflamed, usually conservative, nonsurgical treatments are very effective in treating the issue. One or more of the following treatments may be recommended to help control and resolve your tendinitis:
- Ice, compression, and elevation of the area in question
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical gels
- Rest (avoiding activities that strain the injured area for a while)
- Physical therapy
For chronic tendinitis and more serious cases, other treatments (such as steroid injections) may be recommended, which rapidly decrease inflammation and pain. In rare cases, surgery is necessary when the tendon is severely injured and does not react to other treatment methods. Usually, a combination of the above treatments will be sufficient to restore function and help you return to your normal routine as soon as possible.
Treatment for Tendinitis at California Orthopedics & Spine
At California Orthopedics & Spine, our specialists work together with top physical therapists and healthcare professionals to find the least invasive, most effective treatments for our patients. If you are experiencing joint and/or tendon pain, give our office a call. One of our staff members will be happy to help you. We proudly serve Marin County, Sonoma County, Napa County, and the entire San Francisco Bay Area from our offices in Novato and Larkspur, CA.