Tendonitis
Shirley Blake, PT

Tendons anchor a muscle to a bone in order to provide the function or action of that muscle. We have them throughout our body. Sometimes our job or hobby asks for repetitive use of a certain muscle. Eventually irritation and inflammation of the muscle and tendon occurs causing a condition called tendonitis. If the tendon also “rubs” across a bone or joint, it increases the irritation, pain can come on gradually or quite quickly. Elbows, shoulders, knees, and wrists are the most common areas, but it may occur elsewhere. Excessive use of the muscle/tendon causes micro damage to the tissue which doesn’t heal properly. Insufficient rest with minimal scarring results in re-damage when the activity returns. If not treated early, the condition can become chronic with long lasting pain.

Managing the pain can involve rest, splinting, and use of cold or heat. Physical Therapist can monitor an exercise program and avoiding repetitive tasks that irritate the involved tissues. Therapy could also include massage, range of motion exercises, electric stimulation, and ultrasound. Also, checking body mechanics and performing an ergonomic evaluation may be necessary.       

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