Tendonitis is caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon. It can be a very painful condition without treatment. Tendons are tough bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone. They are found in many places of the body, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, wrist, heel, and thumb.
You can develop tendonitis in a lot of ways. Most of the time, it’s because of mistakes made in how you use your body. Here are 5 mistakes that cause tendonitis.
1. Overuse
Tendonitis may be caused by repetitive use. Practically any occupation involves the use of the upper or lower extremities, hence, tendonitis is a common occupational injury. Retail, office work, and manual work can result in irritated, inflamed, or torn tendons. Even housework, such as gardening and scrubbing, can cause tendonitis. Sports, such as golf and tennis can also cause tendonitis. In order to avoid this mistake, it’s important to take breaks and give your body regular rest. For example, if you use your shoulders for several hours a day, take frequent breaks and stop the activity when you feel pain.
2. Overload
Your tendons, as strong as they are, can get overloaded. A sudden increase in activity or pressure on tendons can cause tendonitis. When this happens, the tendons experience a greater load than they can handle, which can result in irritation or, worse, tearing. Age-related changes to tendons may also mean they are no longer as resilient and may easily become irritated.
3. Poor Posture
Keeping your body in proper alignment ensures no single part of your body is becoming overloaded. Poor posture affects the shoulders greatly. Leaning forward in a hunched position can cause the muscles and tendons in the shoulder to become irritated or pinched.
4. Faulty Technique
Playing sports with poor form and improper technique can be sure to result in tendonitis, among other things. For example, the Achilles tendon can become irritated due to an improper running technique. For instance, overstriding instead of light and fast strides can eventually cause Achilles tendonitis. Faulty technique, over time, can also cause degeneration of the tendons. This is why it’s important to follow directions and use proper techniques when doing activities including work duties, exercise, and athletics.
5. Wearing Bad Footwear
There is proper footwear for every activity and sport. Make sure to select the proper footwear for the activity you are participating in. It is a big mistake to wear high heels, wedges, and worn-out shoes – especially when you are on your feet for a long time. Wearing heels frequently can cause the Achilles tendon to shorten and tighten. There are also other things to worry about, such as the ankles, knees, or lower back experiencing symptoms due to poor footwear.
Tendonitis Treatment in San Antonio, TX
The orthopedic doctors at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine will evaluate your condition and confirm whether it’s tendonitis or another orthopaedic problem. We will provide an accurate diagnosis and set up a treatment plan that effectively treats your issue. If needed, our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons can perform highly advanced surgical procedures. We also offer excellent rehabilitation services to our patients.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with an orthopaedic doctor, call (210) 692-7400 or use our online request form. We look forward to your call!
