Tendonitis Treatment: Looking At Basic Concepts

Basic concepts in tendonitis treatment can be a good thing to understand and know, especially when there begins to develop a bit of pain in a shoulder or elbow, for example, that concerns a person. Normally, tendonitis pain ranges from mild to severe, and in really serious cases can be debilitating. That's why it can make sense to understand a few things about tendonitis.

As a matter of anatomy and physiology, it is helpful to know that there are many tendons throughout the body that make up a part of what is known as connective tissue. Tendons -- in conjunction with ligaments -- help to keep skeletal bones together and able to move about. They are also tough, fibrous and cord-like in makeup.

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that causes swelling and pain, along with a few other issues in serious cases. Those serious cases can eventually cause the area affected by the tendonitis to become immobile or disabled. If caught soon enough, however, it's fairly simple to treat and cure it.

As a matter of medical interest, anywhere a tendon is in evidence is a spot where tendonitis can occur, though there are only a few common areas that are susceptible to tendonitis. Perhaps the most famous of these areas is in the elbow. The strict medical term for tendonitis in that area is epicondylitis. It is more commonly referred to as "tennis elbow, " and it has been well documented for least 100 years.

For the most part, tendonitis usually evidences itself after an overuse injury or actual injury to the tendon. In order to treat tendonitis properly, there are several steps one can take, all without having to make use of a physician under most circumstances. First of all, stop whatever activity it is that has been causing the pain.

Cessation of the activity will generally be necessary for around twenty-one days, which is usually sufficient time to allow the tendon to heal itself. Such rest is probably the single most effective part of any treatment regimen, by the way. Combine rest with immobilization whenever possible. This can be accomplished through bracing or splints or slings, generally.

Additionally, include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines like naproxen sodium and a skin cream that contains anti-inflammatories in order to aid the body in recovering from the tendonitis. Take a look at the area again after three weeks and start engaging in light warming up and stretching, gradually working back into the activity that caused the pain in the first place. Try not to forget about warming up and stretching in the future.

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