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
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What is tendinitis?

Tendonitis refers to an inflammatory reaction caused by various factors such as over-fatigue, fiber tearing, or other injuries to the tendon and its surrounding tissues. Therefore, tendonitis usually has a cause, commonly seen in acute injuries or chronic strain. The main symptoms are: first, pain, which is often related to movement, intensifies during physical activity and alleviates during rest. Second, there is occasional slight swelling of the joint. Third, persistent pain occurs in bouts. This indicates that after the tendon recovers from an initial injury, persistent pain appears, which eases after rest or treatment but is prone to recurrence. Thus, tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding tissues, usually a non-bacterial inflammation. If conservative treatment does not improve the condition after 7-10 days, it is recommended to seek medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to treat extensor tendinitis of the foot?

For the treatment of extensor tendinitis of the foot, it is firstly important to rest and avoid intense activities to prevent exacerbating the symptoms, and also to avoid exposure to cold. When pain occurs, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications can be used to alleviate inflammation and pain. Additionally, treatments such as hot compresses, foot baths, and physical therapy can be used to promote blood circulation and improve symptoms. Local block treatments can also be effective in relieving inflammation. When conservative treatments are ineffective or motion is restricted due to tissue adhesions, surgical treatment can be considered.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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The difference between tendinitis and tenosynovitis

Actually, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are essentially two aspects of the same condition. The term tendinitis usually refers to the part where the muscle transitions into the tendon, whereas tenosynovitis generally refers to the fibrous sheath over the tendon surface. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis often coexist; tendinitis can lead to tenosynovitis, and conversely, tenosynovitis can also affect tendinitis, causing or exacerbating it. Therefore, in clinical practice, there usually is not a clear distinction between tendinitis and tenosynovitis. It is common during surgeries for stenosing tenosynovitis to observe that the tendon is also congested and swollen, and even adhered to the tendon sheath. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are generally considered the same disease, merely referred to by two different names. However, if strictly distinguished, there is a certain difference, which lies in the location: tendinitis refers to the tendon itself, while tenosynovitis refers to the sheath outside the tendon.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
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What should I do about calcific tendinitis?

In cases of calcific tendinitis, which is a relatively severe form of tendinitis, conservative treatment should initially be considered. It is important to reduce repeated external forces on the tendon area, ensure the area is kept warm, and treatments like small needle-knife loosening, orthopedic herbal fumigation soaking, or combined with physical therapy and electric heating can be used to soften the calcified tendon tissue, which can alleviate clinical symptoms. If the condition does not improve after conservative treatment, or if it recurs, surgical intervention may be considered as the next step. This could involve tendon release surgery or sheathectomy. Early joint movement is necessary after the surgery to avoid joint adhesion.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
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How is calcific tendinitis treated?

The patient suffers from calcific tendinitis, and conservative treatment can be the first choice. It is necessary to reduce the external stimulus on the local lesion and keep it warm. Apply heat treatments, frequently use spectrum meters for electrotherapy, physiotherapy devices, infrared therapy devices, and lamp treatments. Use traditional Chinese medicine washes that activate blood circulation, relieve stasis, and alleviate muscle pain for steaming and soaking. Increasing the local temperature can unblock normal circulation of Qi and blood, soften the local tendon tissues, and alleviate symptoms such as pain and swelling, and also improve the range of motion locally. If there is a clear pain point locally, closed injection techniques can be used, and small needle knife treatments can be utilized to pry and loosen the area. Alternatively, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, along with strengthening functional exercises at the lesion site, can help in the recovery of the condition.