Tendonitis is an unusual swelling or inflammation caused by injuries to the tendon (fibrous cord attaching muscles to the bone). Tendonitis can occur in any tendon in your body; however, it is common in joints at the shoulder, kneels, wrist, and elbow.
This condition causes mild or severe pain, stiffness, and tenderness outside the affected joint. Treatment options to be considered are dependent on the severity of the injury and the location of the affected region. Some of the common types of tendonitis are tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, jumper’s knee, and swimmer’s shoulder.
How To Treat Elbow Tendon and Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a condition associated with pain, and most patients are always in an endless loop searching for a permanent cure to prevent the constant pain from reoccurring. You can either treat this condition yourself at home using the method discussed below or visit a physician for professional counsel.
Medication for Tendon and Tendonitis
Your physician may recommend these forms of drugs:
- Pain reliever: taking Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and diclofenac can help alleviate pains caused by tendonitis. Some of these medications have side effects when taken orally.
Alternatively, other forms of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are made available as creams.
- Corticosteroids: injection of corticosteroid medication in affected tendons help to relieve pains and inflammation of the tendon. However, this treatment option is not recommended for chronic tendonitis, as this might increase the risk of rupturing the affected tendon.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): This medication involves collecting blood samples from the patient, then spinning the blood to separate the platelet from other components. The solution retrieved is then injected into the affected area.
Rest
You can treat tendonitis by resting the affected area and giving it time to heal.
Most recurring cases of tendonitis result from a lack of patience for proper healing before engaging in rigorous activities. Tendonitis requires a minimum of three weeks to heal partially and encourage the formation of new healthy tissues. However, a minimum of 1 year is essential for a full recovery.
Support with braces
Braces provide support for areas with movable joints such as the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The braces help restrict movement of the affected area, thereby preventing inflammation of the tendon and aiding quick recovery. Standard braces used for this process include knee, wrist, ankle, elbow, neck, and heel. Braces are recommended with rest as a treatment option when pain or discomfort occurs.
Surgical procedures
If other treatment plans fail to offer a lasting solution, then you should consult your doctor for further treatment plans. In cases of tendonitis are extreme, your physician might suggest any of the surgical procedures discussed below:
- Ultrasonic treatment: The ultrasonic technique is a minimally invasive procedure involving ultrasonic sound waves to insert a unique device to remove scar tissues.
- Dry needling: this technique involves creating small holes in the tendon to help stimulate healing factors.
- Surgery: Surgery is only considered a last resort when other options have failed to manage tendonitis. This technique is suitable for repairing extensive damages to the tendon.
Summing-up
Preventing tendonitis from occurring is an almost impossible act. However, certain precautions such as resting tired muscles, using supportive equipment, and taking regular breaks from repetitive activities, etc., can help reduce the risk of having tendonitis.