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While grabbing a drink from the fridge, pain shoots up your arm and radiates near your elbow. If you are experiencing pain like this, tendonitis could be to blame. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports tendinitis causes 70,000 people to miss work annually.
The tendons in the body serve as a bridge between muscle and bone. Age causes these tissues to dry out and become less flexible, and when tiny tears can form in the tendons, it can lead to pain, swelling, inflammation or loss of range of motion. The Arthritis Foundation states that tendinitis is frequently caused by repetitive motion or athletic injuries but can also result from infection, bad posture, arthritis and diabetes.
Though a physician can usually diagnose the condition during a physical exam, they might also order X-rays. Since tendinitis causes tenderness and pain, resting the affected joint and reducing inflammation is the best way to promote healing. Here are some tips on how to find relief.
Consider physical therapy. They can provide treatments, help increase mobilization and personalize an exercise program for you.
Corticosteroids injections. An anti-inflammatory drug is injected directly into a joint, bursa or tendon.
Lower inflammation. Medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or analgesic patches can ease symptoms.
Medical procedures. Other methods such as dry needling, ultrasonic treatment and surgery are also possible. Dry needling requires making small holes in the tendon to stimulate healing. Ultrasonic treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that removes scar tissue with ultrasonic sound waves. In severe cases, such as when tendons tear from the bone, surgery might be required.
Use the RICE method. Rest, ice, compression and elevation can ease your symptoms. Have tendinitis of the knee? Try a knee brace during workouts and follow up with an ice pack afterward. Splints, braces or slings may also help.
