Physically active people often experience an orthopedic injury called tendonitis, involving painful inflammation of a cordlike tendon attaching muscle to bone. Tendonitis takes time and patience for a full recovery. However, proper treatment guided by an orthopedic doctor may help speed up your recovery.
Let’s talk about some ways orthopedic doctors adopt to fasten recovery from tendonitis and where you can go in San Antonio, TX, for effective pain management.
Common Sites and Symptoms of Tendonitis
Tendon inflammation and dysfunction can occur in many places in the body; about 4.000 of these strong cords throughout the many joints allow you to move. Common sites of tendonitis include:
- Back of the lower leg–Achilles tendonitis
- Shoulder
- Upper arm–bicep tendonitis
- Patella or kneecap–jumper’s knee
- Elbow–golfer’s or tennis elbow
- Wrist
As this typically repetitive motion injury develops, pain, redness, and swelling begin, limiting movement and strength. For instance, a person with shoulder tendonitis may be unable to reach things from a kitchen shelf.
When these symptoms persist, you should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist. This physician will examine the affected area and ask you about your symptoms. X-ray imaging, CT scans, or MRI reveals details on the location and the extent of the problem. Surprisingly, while some kinds of tendonitis may need arthroscopic (small incision) surgery to correct, most respond well to more conservative treatments.
Here are ways for you to speed up your recovery.
1# Use the RICE First Aid Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rest the affected body part. Ice it with a reusable ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables (15 minutes on and 15 off). Use a compression (ACE) bandage to support, protect and reduce swelling. Elevate the affected part above the level of your heart to decrease painful swelling further.
2# Take Pain Medications.
Your orthopedic doctor will likely advise over-the-counter ibuprofen as it relieves both pain and inflammation. Be sure to take it with food.
3# Stretch and Ambulate.
Whether a sporting activity, such as tennis, or something more sedentary, such as a desk job, has precipitated your tendonitis, take some corrective measures. When you’re playing your sport, stretch and warm up ahead of time; when your body says to rest, listen to it. Never play beyond the point of pain.
Regarding computer time and your job, keep your screen at eye level. Keep your wrists as straight as possible as you work. Plus, get up, stretch and walk a bit every 20 minutes or so. (This will help avoid eye strain, too).
Where to Get Tendonitis Treatment Near Me
In the San Antonio, TX, area, you may receive the professional evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment you need for tendonitis and other musculoskeletal injuries and conditions at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Our highly experienced orthopedic and sports medicine physicians are Dr. Geoffrey Millican, Dr. Michael Jones, and Dr. Raymond Skunda. We encourage you to take advantage of their expertise by booking an in-office consultation regarding your tendonitis or other bone and joint issue.
Phone us at (210) 692-7400, or request a visit online. We are here to help you get back to a full, active, enjoyable life as quickly as possible.
