Tendonitis

Tendonitis or tendinitis is a condition that occurs when you have inflammation in your tendons, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. This condition can cause acute pain and tenderness, making it difficult to move the affected joint and perform daily activities. 

Tendonitis can be caused by sudden injuries and repetitive motion activities that contribute to bodily wear and tear. At Kimball Health Services, our orthopedic expert, Dr. Macmillan, and skilled plastic & reconstructive and hand surgeon, Dr. Wyatt, provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment for tendonitis.  

Tendonitis can impact any tendon throughout your body. However, certain tendons are more prone to it than others. 

Usually, types of tendonitis are named after the sports or the specific body part it affects. Common types of tendonitis include:

• Achilles tendonitis results from overuse of the Achilles tendon
• Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, arises from tendon overload in the elbow 
• Golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis induces inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm and elbow
• Patellar tendonitis is the injury to the patellar tendon that links your kneecap (patella) to the shinbone 

The primary cause of tendonitis is repetitive motions, but it can also be a result of sudden injury. Several other factors that can cause tendonitis, include:

• Repetitive motion, such as prolonged chopping or typing
• Poor posture
• Excessive exercise
• Injuries
• Aging
• Certain diseases like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

Common symptoms of tendonitis include:

• Pain in the affected tendon
• Stiff joints or difficulty in joint movement
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Cracking or popping sensation in the affected area on movement

The diagnosis of tendonitis includes a physical examination and certain imaging tests to confirm and estimate the damage. 

• Physical exam: It includes the examination of symptoms and the affected joint. The healthcare provider will look for signs of tenderness and creaking sounds, which happen when the tendon sheath becomes thick and inflamed. 
• Imaging test: Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds of the joint and surrounding tissue, can help confirm a diagnosis. 

The treatment of tendonitis focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Mild symptoms of tendonitis can be managed at home through self-care measures. This includes proper rest, hot-cold therapy, and using pain relief medications. 

In cases when the injury is severe, other treatment options that can help include: 

• Medications, such as Ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the affected tendon and joints. 
• Physical therapy and targeted exercises can help strengthen your muscles and tendons. Moreover, manipulating and massaging the affected area can help reduce pain and accelerate the recovery process. 
• Corticosteroid injections are steroid injections that are administered in the affected tendon to ease inflammation and pain. 
• Surgery might be needed when the tendon has torn away from the bone. Tendon repair surgery can help repair the torn tendon to restore normal function and movement. 

Tendonitis can affect your daily activities and quality of life by causing pain and affecting your range of motion. We provide personalized consultation and treatment for tendonitis at Kimball Health Services. 

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. 

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or fill out our online form. We're here for you whenever you need us.