What should I do if my tendinitis is getting more painful?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on December 06, 2024
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When patients with tendinitis experience pain, they should first rest and avoid strenuous activities. They can also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain. These drugs include ointments that can be applied to the affected area, as well as oral medications that can be taken after meals for a short period to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Additionally, patients can use treatments such as heat application, physical therapy, and local injections, which can also effectively relieve pain. When conservative treatments are ineffective or if there is a functional impairment due to adhesions of the tendon and surrounding tissues, surgical treatment can be considered.

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Why does tendonitis recur?

Tendonitis, if not well-rested, can easily recur. It mostly occurs during activities, work, or exercise, presenting with pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Tendonitis primarily involves the tendons, which are very hard connective tissues connecting bones and muscles. Tendonitis is mainly caused by the excessive use of muscle fibers and repetitive strain leading to degenerative changes in tendon collagen fibers. This accumulation of degeneration in tendon collagen fibers is commonly referred to as tendinopathy. Examples include common types such as Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, quadriceps tendonitis, or injuries to the rotator cuff, and lateral epicondylitis of the humerus. Long-term repetitive friction and fatigue can easily cause repeated episodes in these areas. Strict immobilization, along with physical therapy, massage, electric stimulation, and heat application can help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, taking blood-activating and pain-relieving medications, and when necessary, undergoing injective treatments can effectively prevent recurrences and promote relief, reducing symptoms.

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Orthopedics
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Can tendinitis be treated with acupuncture?

The occurrence of tendinitis is mostly due to local overuse and trauma, which causes local stagnation of qi and blood, and blockage of the meridians. As a result, there may be adhesion and pain in the tendons. Acupuncture is particularly effective in dredging meridians, activating blood circulation, and relieving pain quickly. Therefore, acupuncture can be very effective for tendinitis. We can perform acupuncture treatment by needling the painful area and selecting points along the meridian. Generally, the effects of acupuncture are favorable. If combined with other conservative treatment methods, it can produce significant results.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to treat tendinitis?

Treatment of tendonitis is divided into four types. The first is conventional treatment, which involves following the RICE principle during the acute phase. The second is medication, which includes the use of non-steroidal drugs and the option of local injections, but repetitive injections are not recommended as they can lead to tendon rupture, such as the rupture of the Achilles tendon often caused by such treatment. The third approach is for patients with chronic conditions where the affected area has developed adhesions and conservative treatment is ineffective. In such cases, surgical treatment should be considered, though the drawbacks include significant trauma, pain, and a long recovery period. The fourth method involves physical therapy, including heat therapy, ultrasound treatment, and microwave treatment. Thus, the basic treatments for tendonitis encompass these four approaches.

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Written by Li Jie
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Which location to massage for tendinitis

Since a tendon is a bundle that extends from the muscle belly and is elongated, during massage, one should not only focus on the painful area but should consider the entire muscle and tendon. Massaging only the painful area is similar to the notion of treating just the head for a headache or just the foot for foot pain. Therefore, when massaging, it is necessary to cover the entire muscle from its origin to its insertion, reaching the painful parts of the tendon. Also, one should avoid rough massage techniques; instead, gentle manipulations are encouraged. Otherwise, it could lead to counterproductive effects and not be beneficial. Gentle massage or heat application are both acceptable methods.

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How to treat tendonitis and strains?

How to treat tendinitis and strain? That is, in cases with tendinitis that have also resulted in acute injury, the approach should align with treating acute injuries associated with tendinitis. Firstly, rest and immobilization. Resting helps to prevent further injury, and immobilization allows joints or tendons time to relax, rest, and repair. Secondly, apply ice. Ice should be applied to the injured area immediately after the injury. Typically, the first icing lasts for half an hour, followed by subsequent half-hour sessions every three hours, continuing up to 48 hours, after which it should switch to heat application. Thirdly, immobilize the joint or tendon. Immobilization serves two purposes: first, to prevent the injury from worsening; second, to help prevent further swelling. Fourthly, the injured limb should be elevated, raised above the level of the heart by 30 degrees. This is the internationally renowned RICE principle for treating tendon strains and injuries, focusing primarily on four aspects: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.