Tendonitis - inflammation tendon - symptoms and treatment
What is Tendonitis
INFLAMMATION of a TENDON. Tendonitis most often occurs as an overuse injury. Overuse causes the fibers of the tendon to stretch and tear, leaving microscopic injuries throughout the tendon. Occasionally calcium deposits develop in a tendon. The injury activates the IMMUNE RESPONSE, which in turn initiates the inflammatory response.
Symptoms of Tendonitis and Treatment
The main symptoms of tendonitis are PAIN at the tendon’s insertion point on the BONE and swelling over the site. Tendonitis most commonly occurs at the wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, ACHILLES TENDON, and heel. Within the first 24 hours, RICE (rest, ice, elevation, and compression) is the most effective therapeutic approach. NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS) help relieve PAIN and inflammation. Most tendonitis improves within 72 hours and completely heals in two to three weeks with appropriate treatment.
See also ACHILLES TENDON INJURY; ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS; EPICONDYLITIS; PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME; ROTATOR CUFF IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME; SHIN SPLINTS; SYNOVITIS.
