What Is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is defined by inflammation or irritation of any tendon in the body. Tendons are the thick fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis can occur in any tendon, but it most commonly affects tendons in high movement and stress areas like the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.
There is no evidence that tendinitis is actually an acutely inflamed tendon. Rather, the damage and pain is from low levels of chronic inflammation that cause changes to the structures over time.
TENDINITIS CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Tendinitis can develop from a variety of triggers. Repetitive movements are the most commonly blamed cause. These repetitive movements may stem from jobs or hobbies that involve a particular movement being performed many times for an extended period of time. Tendinitis is a very common injury in those that play sports like baseball, tennis, bowling, golf, etc. That being said, those who eat a healthy diet and get proper sleep and who also stretch, rarely if ever have such ‘injuries’. It is important to perform counteracting movements daily if you find that you do one particular physical action repeatedly.
The risk of developing tendinitis increases with age as tendons become less flexible making them more prone to injury. A stiff tendon that does not have the normal compliance or elasticity needed for proper joint or limb function can lead to abnormal movements and potentially cause pain. Again, much of the stiffness we associate with older tendons is really just more advanced glycation end products (AGE)s within the tendon. These are abnormal proteins that deposit into the tendon in a setting of hyperglycemia. They also enter the system every time you eat ultra processed foods.
You can reduce the chances of developing tendinitis by stretching before, during, and after activities involving repetitive motions. Stop and rest if you notice pain. Practice proper workplace ergonomics and improve techniques for hobbies and sports to reduce strain. But, most importantly, stop eating processed foods and maintain a normal glucose level at all times.
SYMPTOMS OF TENDINITIS
Symptoms of tendonitis (or tendinosis) include pain, tenderness, and mild swelling. This pain is often described as a dull ache especially when moving the affected joint. Pain can be mild to severe and have a gradual build-up or a sudden onset of pain.
TENDINITIS TREATMENT OPTIONS
Tendinitis is usually able to be diagnosed during a physical examination; however, your doctor may order x-rays to rule out other conditions. Occasionally, an MRI is ordered, but these may or may not be useful.
Those that have tendinitis are encouraged to RICE (rest, ice, compress, and elevate) their injury. Physical therapy may be required if the condition is severe or chronic. A doctor may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are other treatment options that may be recommended by your doctor.
If the condition does not resolve after rest and physical therapy, your doctor might suggest dry needling, ultrasonic treatment, or even surgery as a last resort. You are in control of the formation and repair of your own tendons and diet, sleep and stretching are in your power.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation