Dr BurkeWhat Is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Tendons help facilitate movement by transmitting the force from muscles to bones. When a tendon becomes inflamed due to injury, overuse, or strain, it can cause pain, tenderness, and restricted movement in the affected area. Tendinitis can develop in various parts of the body, but it most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive care for tendinitis, offering both conservative and advanced treatment options to relieve pain and restore full function.
Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon, usually caused by repetitive motion or overuse. Tendons are designed to withstand a lot of tension, but repetitive stress or sudden injury can cause microscopic tears in the tissue, leading to inflammation and pain. Tendinitis can affect any tendon in the body but is most common in joints that are frequently used for repetitive motions, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, or ankle.
Depending on the location of the tendinitis, the condition may have specific names. For example:
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: Affects the tendons in the shoulder.
- Tennis Elbow: Affects the tendons in the outer part of the elbow.
- Golfer’s Elbow: Affects the tendons in the inner part of the elbow.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Affects the tendon at the back of the heel.
Causes of Tendinitis
Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive motion or overuse of a tendon, but it can also result from sudden injury, poor posture, or underlying health conditions. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Overuse and Repetitive Motions: Activities that involve repetitive movements, such as running, swimming, or typing, can place excessive strain on tendons, leading to inflammation.
- Sudden Increase in Activity: Rapidly increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity without proper conditioning can overload the tendons, causing tendinitis.
- Age-Related Degeneration: As we age, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury, making tendinitis more common in middle-aged and older adults.
- Poor Posture or Technique: Incorrect posture during daily activities or improper technique during sports or exercise can increase the strain on tendons and lead to tendinitis.
- Injury or Trauma: A direct injury to a tendon, such as a fall or a blow to the affected area, can trigger inflammation and lead to tendinitis.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can increase the risk of developing tendinitis due to chronic inflammation or poor circulation.
Symptoms of Tendinitis
The symptoms of tendinitis typically develop gradually, especially in cases of overuse. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain at the Tendon: Pain is often felt at the site of the affected tendon and can worsen with movement. The pain may be sharp or dull and aching, depending on the severity of the inflammation.
- Tenderness: The area around the tendon may be tender to the touch, and pressing on the inflamed tendon can increase discomfort.
- Swelling: Mild swelling may develop around the affected tendon due to inflammation.
- Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: The affected joint may feel stiff, particularly after periods of inactivity. This can make it difficult to move the joint through its full range of motion.
- Weakness: In some cases, tendinitis can cause weakness in the muscles connected to the affected tendon, making it difficult to lift, grip, or perform other tasks.
Diagnosis of Tendinitis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing tendinitis involves a thorough physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the presence of inflammation and assess the extent of the injury.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the affected area, checking for signs of tenderness, swelling, and limited range of motion. They may ask you about your symptoms, recent activities, and medical history to help determine the cause of the tendinitis.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: While X-rays cannot detect soft tissue injuries like tendinitis, they may be used to rule out other potential causes of pain, such as fractures or bone spurs.
- Ultrasound or MRI: In cases of chronic or severe tendinitis, an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to provide detailed images of the tendon and surrounding soft tissues. These tests help confirm the presence of inflammation, tears, or other damage.
Treatment for Tendinitis
Treatment for tendinitis at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and allowing the tendon to heal. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the tendon, such as repetitive motions or heavy lifting, is essential to allow the tendon to heal. Resting the affected area and modifying daily activities can help prevent further irritation.
- Ice and Compression: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, particularly in the first 24-48 hours after symptoms appear. Compression with an elastic bandage may also help control swelling.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the tendon.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a key component of tendinitis treatment. A personalized rehabilitation program will include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected tendon, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion. Eccentric strengthening exercises, in which the muscles lengthen while under tension, are particularly effective for treating tendinitis.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the affected tendon to reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting relief. These injections are typically used with caution, as repeated use may weaken the tendon over time.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is rarely required for tendinitis but may be necessary in cases where the tendon has torn or non-surgical treatments are not providing sufficient relief. Surgical options include:
- Tendon Repair: In cases of severe tendinitis or tendon tears, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged tissue. This can be done using minimally invasive techniques, depending on the extent of the damage.
- Tendon Release: In chronic cases of tendinitis, the surgeon may release part of the tendon to relieve pressure and reduce inflammation. This procedure is often performed for conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from tendinitis depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks to months with proper rest and physical therapy.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients undergoing non-surgical treatments will typically begin physical therapy as soon as the acute pain subsides. Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential for improving tendon health and preventing future injuries. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 4-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After surgery, the affected tendon may need to be immobilized for a short period to allow healing, followed by a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients can return to their normal activities with proper rehabilitation.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Tendinitis?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with tendinitis, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is committed to helping patients relieve pain, restore tendon function, and prevent future injuries. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you need non-surgical management or advanced surgical options, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to guide you through your recovery journey.