5 Ways to Relieve Tendonitis Pain

Tendonitis is often caused by overuse. For example, too much hill running or inflexible running shoes can contribute to this condition.

Medically speaking, tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon and results from small, micro-tears that happen when too much stress or force is applied.

Chronic tendonitis (caused by overuse) is often characterized by a dull soreness that feels worse when you first get moving, but generally eases as you warm up. Acute tendonitis (caused by injury) often results in a sharper pain.

In most cases, tendonitis pain is your body’s way of telling you to slow down and rest. It is a warning sign that you have been overdoing it, and need to take a time out.

At Home Treatment

Tendonitis, in many cases can be managed at home. However, if the pain persists –or becomes worse, it’s important to seek medical attention.

• Rest – Avoid participating in sports or activities that caused the tendon to become damaged. The length of time you should rest for will depend on the severity of the damage, but when you do start to participate in activities again, gradually ease yourself into them.

• Apply Ice – Applying ice to the injured area can help reduce the swelling and ease the pain. Just be sure you don’t apply the ice directly to your skin as this can cause skin damage.

• Pain Management – Anti-inflammatory pain medication (ibuprofen) can reduce the pain. Just remember that just because the pain is gone, does not mean your injury is gone. Continue to rest the injury until it is healed.

Medical Treatment

If the pain doesn’t improve within a few weeks, or becomes worse –you should seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend either therapy or injections.

• Physiotherapy – Physiotherapy focuses on stretching and strengthening your injured tendon as well as the surrounding muscles.

• Injections – Corticosteroid injections can be injected around the injured tendons to help reduce pain and swelling. The injections can help with pain management but they are not a long-term cure, and the effects wear off in a few weeks.

As with many overuse injuries, rest is one of the most important things that you can do to facilitate healing. However, if the injury doesn’t heal, or you are experiencing severe pain, be sure to contact your orthopedic specialist for a consultation.

If you or your loved is experiencing pain after an injury, contact Blackstone Orthopedics. We provide sports medicine for Rhode Island. Contact us today for a consultation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Image: Raúl González