At-Home Tendonitis Treatment Option

Tendon inflammation or tendonitis is a painful condition that is usually the result of overuse. The tendons are made up of fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and function to transmit impulses to the muscles. In short, tendons allow muscles to move. Although the actual cause of tendon inflammation is still unknown, various studies agree that it is more likely the result of repetitive strenuous activities. People who are at risk for this condition are those who are involved in heavy workloads such as manual laborers and athletes. Tendon inflammation occurs mostly in middle adults ranging from 35 to 55 years old.

Diagnosing tendon inflammation is performed through a series of physical assessments. X-ray and MRI are usually not used in the diagnosis process. However, in cases where the signs and symptoms are too vague, imaging may be required in order to rule out other conditions that may have similar signs and symptoms with tendon inflammation. The common sites for tendonitis occur mostly on the shoulder, elbow, wrist and heel.

Treatment and management for tendon inflammation involve simple strategies directed mainly on relieving pain and discomfort brought about by this condition. The activity which resulted in tendonitis should be stopped to avoid further tissue damage. Within 24 to 48 hours following the occurrence of the first signs and symptoms of tendonitis, it is recommended to apply warm or cold compress, whichever is preferred. Applying ice on the affected area has shown to be more effective in minimizing the swelling. This is performed together with elevating the affected area.

Immobilizing the affected area with the use of splints, braces and straps is also helpful in managing the pain and discomforts associated with tendon inflammation. When the affected area is immobilized, the damaged tissues are more likely to repair and heal on their own. Another effective method in managing tendonitis at home is to use over-the-counter pain medications such as non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples of these drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen and other analgesics. When looking at how to treat tendonitis, using over-the-counter pain medications is the most common.

The most important factor in managing tendon inflammation is to modify activities that have resulted to the occurrence of this condition. This can be achieved by avoiding repetitive strenuous activities, tough sports, and other previous activities which have resulted to tendon inflammation. Other methods that aim to treat tendonitisinclude exercises and physical activities that aim to strengthen the muscles and increase its flexibility. These exercises are performed with light resistance that will help avoid further worsening of the condition as well as prevent the recurrence of tendonitis in the future.

That said, sometimes avoiding the activities that caused tendonitis is difficult. Therefore the most helpful thing to do to prevent the incidence of tendon inflammation can be best achieved by properly warming up prior to every activity. This will promote proper circulation and enhance tissue perfusion allowing proper functioning before being used for strenuous activities.