If you play a lot of sports or exercise a lot, you are more likely to develop tendinitis, which tends to happen when you overuse a tendon. Since tendons are located throughout the body, you can get tendinitis in multiple spots – even at the same time. If left untreated, it can result in a tendon rupture which could require surgery.
What is Tendinitis?
The tendon is a piece of soft tissue that connects muscle to the bone. While they are known for being tough and flexible, they still have the potential to become inflamed, which results in tendinitis. Many older adults are more susceptible to this due to the weakened elasticity of their tendons.
Types of Tendinitis
Since tendinitis can occur in different parts of the body, there are numerous types, which include:
Tennis elbow
Also called lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is categorized by a pain felt on the outer side of your elbow. In some cases, it may extend all the way down to the wrist.
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, located between the calf and heel. While this is a common injury for athletes, it can also be caused by shoes that fit poorly.
Trigger finger
This condition is the result of the tendon inside the palm of the hand becoming inflamed, preventing the tendon from moving as smoothly as it should. It is very noticeable, as the finger or thumb will be locked in a bent position, and it makes a clicking sound when you straighten it.
Supraspinatus tendinitis
This type of tendinitis affects the tendon above the shoulder, and it can even lead to rotator cuff syndrome.
Symptoms of Tendinitis
- Pain, especially when moving
- Crackling feeling
- Swelling
- Lumps
- Redness
- Tenderness
Treatments for Tendinitis
In many cases, simply giving your injured tendon a bit of rest with a hot and cold treatment will be all you need for the proper road to recovery. In cases where the tendinitis will not heal on its own, we may try other treatments such as shock wave therapy or surgery to break up or remove calcium deposits.
Looking for Tendinitis Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens?
At SOFLLEX, we want to assist with easing your pain and decreasing your recovery period as much as possible. If you feel like you have tendinitis or have been experiencing pain and discomfort, contact us today for an appointment. Our experienced podiatrists are ready to help.
