Spring is right around the corner and when the weather gets warmer, we see an increase in patients with tendonitis, primarily from playing outdoor sports and spending more time in the yard. Today we’re sharing information regarding the most common types of tendonitis in Louisiana and how to treat them.
In most cases, tendonitis develops in people whose hobbies or jobs involve repetitive movements that aggravate the tendons. However, it can also be the result of a sudden injury that rips the tendon and causes swelling.
Golfer’s elbow: This condition causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain might extend into your forearm and wrist. Most patients with this condition don’t play golf.
Tennis elbow: This kind of tendonitis in Louisiana affects the tendons that are located on the outside of the elbow and attach to the muscle that permits you to extend your finger and wrist. Again, although this is referred to as tennis elbow, most patients with this condition do not play tennis.
Rotator cuff tendonitis: The shoulder rotator cuff is comprised of the 4 tendons that assist in shoulder movement. Each of these tendons helps move the shoulder in a different way. Injury to it can happen during a trauma, like a fall, but it typically occurs from overuse.
Patellar tendonitis: This disorder involves the tissue that connects the kneecap to the shin bone, which runs from the knee cap to the tibia. Running or repetitive jumping is a common cause of tendonitis in this area.
Achilles tendonitis: Similar to patella tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis in Louisiana is also common in runners and jumpers. Prolonged Achilles tendonitis can put that tendon at risk for rupture.
Gluteus medius tendonitis: This is a common form of tendonitis that happens near the hip. It typically causes pain with walking or jogging and is often associated with hip bursitis.
The Best Ways To Treat Tendonitis in Louisiana
Tendonitis often gets better within a few weeks, but more persistent cases can last for several months. Here are the most common treatments that produce the best outcomes.
Rest: When you initially injure your tendon, discontinue the activity that caused the injury and avoid any activities that make your pain worse. This can help prevent any additional damage and allow the tendon to heal.
Ice packs: Regular application of an ice pack to the affected area during the first few days after the injury may help ease the pain and swelling.
OTC pain medication: Mild pain can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter painkillers, which are either pills or a gel applied directly to the affected area.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy for tendon injuries often involves a special exercise program to help stretch and strengthen the injured tendon and surrounding muscles.
Corticosteroid injections: These injections can be made around injured tendons to reduce pain and inflammation. They can also be combined with a local anesthetic to further relieve pain
Surgery: Surgery is an option for some tendon injuries, but this is often considered as a last resort. Tendonitis surgery is not always effective and carries a risk of complications such as scarring, wound infections, and rupturing of the affected tendon.
Do you feel that you may be experiencing pain from one of these types of tendonitis in Louisiana? If you are experiencing the symptoms of tendonitis, call our office today to schedule a consultation to discuss treatment options before it becomes more difficult to manage.