Early detection of tendonitis allows for easy treatment and may prevent other, more serious complications. The specialists at Pennsylvania Orthopedic Associates in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania can diagnose tendonitis and determine the best treatment for you. If you’re experiencing tendonitis pain, schedule an appointment with the expert team at Pennsylvania Orthopedic Associates by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.
Tendons are the strong, thick cords that attach bone to muscle. When these tissues become irritated and inflamed, they cause a condition known as tendonitis (sometimes spelled tendinitis).
Tendonitis can occur in every joint in the body, but some areas are more common than others, including the:
Tendonitis is easily treatable. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more severe issues like ruptured tendons.
The two main causes of tendonitis include injury and repetitive motion. Other causes of tendonitis include:
Tendonitis is common in athletes, but can occur in anyone.
Symptoms of tendonitis include:
Typically, people describe the pain associated with tendonitis as dull and achy. Symptoms may increase or worsen when you use the joint.
Most of the time, tendonitis can be diagnosed with a physical examination. During this exam, the experts may test your joint’s range of motion and may feel the joint to check for other issues.
If you’re concerned there may be something else wrong, like a fracture in the joint, the team at Pennsylvania Orthopedic Associates can order X-rays. Tendonitis may show up on X-ray results as calcium deposits, and this tool is helpful in ruling out other issues.
Most of the time, tendonitis can be treated with rest and over-the-counter painkillers.
Other treatment options include:
If left untreated, tendonitis can cause a tendon rupture. Tendon ruptures require surgery to correct, which is why early detection and treatment of tendonitis is so important.
There are several ways you can help prevent tendonitis.
When you exercise, be sure to warm up and stretch properly. If you’re new to working out, ease into it and don’t overwork your body. If something hurts, take a break and rest.
If you have a computer job or a job that requires repetitive movements, take frequent breaks. Stretching and doing exercises to strengthen the joint can help as well.
If you think you have tendonitis, don’t delay treatment. Schedule an appointment with Pennsylvania Orthopedic Associates today by calling his office or using the online scheduler.