Noninvasive Treatment Options for Your Tendonitis

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 70,000 people miss work annually due to tendonitis. Tendons are the rope-like cords that attach your bones to your muscles, and tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed. Pain from tendonitis may be chronic or come on suddenly and feel sharp.

Tendonitis is often confused with a muscle strain. The experienced team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center offers diagnosis and treatment for tendonitis. While some people require surgery to repair tendonitis, there are several noninvasive treatment options that can help resolve tendonitis, and one may be right for you.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

The signs and symptoms of tendonitis occur in the areas where the tendon attaches to a bone, and commonly include:

• A dull ache, particularly when moving the affected limb or joint
• Mild swelling
• Tenderness of the affected limb or joint

You may also experience a limited range of movement of the affected limb or joint.

Tendonitis causes

Tendonitis is commonly caused by overuse or repetitive motions from sports or work-related activities. People of any age can experience tendonitis, but it’s most common in adults over 40 years of age, as the tendons tolerate less stress as you become older.

Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can cause tendonitis, as can certain antibiotics.

Tendonitis can occur in any area of the body where the tendon connects the bone to a muscle, but the most common areas for the issue include the shoulders, ankles, elbows, wrists, and knees. There are several conditions related to tendon problems, including:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Swimmer’s shoulder or shoulder impingement
• Achilles tendonitis

Fortunately, most cases of tendonitis can be treated successfully with nonsurgical methods.

Nonsurgical tendonitis treatments

There are some at-home treatments for tendonitis you can try before you schedule an appointment with Nevada Orthopedic and Spine Center. Mild cases can be treated with RICE therapy; rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You should avoid activities and exercise that further aggravate the injured tendon to give it a chance to heal.

If RICE therapy does not improve your condition within a few days, schedule an appointment with us. Our noninvasive treatment options include:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Shockwave therapy

Surgery is only recommended for severe cases, when tendonitis recurs frequently, or when tendonitis doesn’t improve with noninvasive treatment options after six months.

If you’re experiencing tendon pain from, schedule an appointment online at the Henderson or Las Vegas location nearest you, or call Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center for a consultation.