How to treat the symptoms of tendinitis

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 09, 2024
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The symptoms of tendinitis firstly include pain, which develops from mild to severe and can be alleviated by rest. However, the pain reoccurs or escalates with physical activity or increased intensity of movement. Additionally, the greater the activity, the shorter the relief period. The second symptom is restricted movement primarily due to pain. Pain causes limitations when moving the limb in certain ways or directions, increasing the pain and thereby causing movement restrictions. Typically, tendinitis presents a fixed tender point usually located at the site of injury, with possible radiating pain around the tender point. Swelling is generally not prominent; the primary characteristic of tendinitis is severe pain, with no significant changes in the skin and minimal or very light swelling. As for treatment, conservative approaches are commonly chosen, such as standard treatments involving immobilization, rest, and protecting the affected area. Oral non-steroidal drugs might be used along with localized treatments, or physical therapies like microwave and shockwave therapies, which are quite effective. If symptoms do not improve or worsen despite rigorous conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. The specific surgical techniques vary and are determined by the surgeon.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 38sec home-news-image

What causes tendinitis?

Tendonitis refers to a type of sterile inflammation that occurs in the tendons and surrounding tissues due to various reasons. Its formation typically follows these four causes: First, acute injury, which usually occurs after the tendons are impacted violently, causing tears or ruptures and leading to an inflammatory reaction in the tendon and surrounding area. Second, long-term wear and tear. This is primarily seen in tendons that are repeatedly subjected to abnormal, unhealthy wear and tear, leading to increased tendon burden or instability at the attachment points, which then causes a surrounding inflammatory response. Third, increased tendon load, leading to damage in the tendon itself, and even causing tears and bleeding, forming a reactive inflammation. The final cause is due to excessively long exercise periods or overloading the tendons through exercise, causing tendon congestion and edema, and eventually leading to inflammation. This can occur in individuals who suddenly engage in heavy exercise after a period of inactivity, or athletes who train daily for extended periods without adequate rest, causing the tendons to be under constant stress. Over time, like a bowstring, this can lead to slackening or rupture, causing an inflammatory response around the tendon or in the tendon itself. Thus, tendonitis generally arises from the reasons mentioned above, often seen in chronic strain and improper posture during exercise, and less commonly from acute injuries and increased loads.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Will tendinitis gradually heal by itself?

The answer is negative. Even minor injuries, if not properly addressed and managed, can gradually develop into more severe and chronic diseases. This later affects normal daily life. Tendonitis, for example, is mostly caused by repetitive stretching, severe tearing, or corresponding work-related strain. Therefore, the first step is rest. Additionally, local applications of topical plasters or physical therapies like thermotherapy, acupuncture, and appropriate spectrum treatments can alleviate localized pain and swelling. However, at least two to four weeks of rest is required. After recovery, it is also necessary to avoid repetitive stretching and excessive physical strain to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How to treat tendinitis and synovitis?

How to treat tendinitis and synovitis? Generally, the current approach is to first start with conservative treatments for tendinitis and synovitis. Conservative treatments include acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, topical ointments, and oral medications, all of which can help alleviate the symptoms of tendinitis and synovitis. However, if there is no improvement after more than six months of treatment, or if the symptoms, such as increasing pain, worsen, then a minimally invasive surgery might be necessary to provide relief.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Treatment of Tendonitis

The causes of tendinitis usually fall into the following three categories: The first is acute injury, commonly referred to as tendon strain. The initial step is to stop any activity, followed by immobilization of the affected tendon area. Immobilization typically involves allowing the part to be completely relaxed, under no pressure, and is usually for a period of three weeks. The second cause is chronic overuse, which is the most common reason for tendinitis. It frequently occurs at sites of bony protrusions or where there is a tunnel, and this can easily lead to constrictive tendinitis. Treatment might start with rest, followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if rest is ineffective. Then, injection treatments are considered, typically around three times; symptoms or pain from tendinitis will significantly reduce or even disappear. If there is no improvement after three injections, a fourth should not be attempted, and surgical treatment to release the tendon and alleviate the constriction may be considered. The last cause is due to a purulent infection. This condition requires symptomatic treatment, initially with antibiotics, followed by cultures and sensitivity tests of the effusion. If the infection occurs adjacent to the tendon or in the tendon sheath, surgery might be necessary to perform drainage again. In summary, the treatment of tendinitis largely depends on the specific cause and involves different approaches.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can tendinitis be treated with an injection?

Tendonitis can be treated with injections, which provide both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, often resulting in a very satisfactory therapeutic outcome. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when performing these injections: First, the injection site must be free of infection and dermatitis; the skin must be clean and intact. Second, it is best to avoid injecting the medication near the attachment points of muscles or tendons on bones. In some cases, such as with femoral condyle osteoarthritis, injections near these points are necessary, but care should be taken not to inject directly into the attachment points to prevent tendon rupture at those sites, which are currently irreplaceable with current scientific techniques. Third, do not exceed three tendonitis injections. Many patients may recover after one or two injections, but some might go for a third if they do not feel significant improvement. If there is no noticeable benefit after three injections, or if the treatment is ineffective, the injection therapy might not be suitable for you, and other treatments should be considered. Therefore, while tendon injections can be an option for tendonitis, it is essential to apply the correct methods.