Tendinitis (tendonitis):
Symptoms, Causes, and Physiotherapy Treatments
Tendinitis, commonly referred to as tendonitis, manifests as pain, swelling, and tenderness in the tendons, often resulting from repetitive activities, acute injuries, or aging.
This condition can greatly limit joint movement and disrupt daily life. Understanding the symptoms, such as discomfort during routine tasks and limb weakness, is essential for early intervention.
Physiotherapy treatments, including targeted exercises and manual therapy, are pivotal in managing and alleviating these symptoms.
What Are Tendon Injuries?
Tendinitis, an inflammatory condition of the tendons, is primarily caused by repetitive stress or acute injuries that affect the connective tissues that link muscles to bones. This ailment, also known as tendonitis, is prevalent in areas such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hips / glutes and ankles.
The pathophysiology of tendinitis includes microscopic tears within the tendon fibers, leading to inflammation, pain, and impaired function.
Overuse is a significant etiological factor, especially in individuals engaging in repetitive activities or sports that place continuous stress on specific tendons. For instance, athletes and professionals who perform repetitive hand or wrist movements frequently observe tendinitis of the wrist.
This type of tendinitis can manifest through symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tenderness, exacerbated by motion and alleviated by rest.
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or overuse, aiming to repair damaged tissues but often resulting in symptoms that limit function and cause discomfort.
Effective management of tendinitis necessitates understanding these underlying mechanisms to implement strategies that reduce inflammation and promote healing. Patient education on modifying activities and adopting ergonomic practices is essential to preventing recurrence and enhancing overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Tendon Injuries
Experiencing pain, tenderness, and swelling near the affected tendon are hallmark symptoms of tendinitis, often accompanied by limited joint movement and discomfort during daily activities. This inflammatory condition, commonly referred to as tendonitis, manifests with varying intensity depending on the location and severity of the inflammation:
Patients may report a grating sensation or crepitus emanating from the affected area, which is particularly noticeable during movement.
For example, tendonitis on the forearm can greatly impede tasks such as typing or lifting objects, whereas symptoms of wrist tendonitis may limit range of motion and grip strength, affecting one’s ability to perform daily functions.
Similarly, tendonitis in the legs can cause difficulties in walking or engaging in physical activities, presenting as pain and swelling that worsen with continued use.
Additionally, individuals may notice localised warmth and redness, or even a palpable lump along the tendon, indicating inflammation. Weakness in the affected limb is another common symptom, potentially compromising overall functionality.
Persistent symptoms that do not improve with rest warrant physio consultation to prevent further deterioration and ensure timely intervention. Recognising these symptoms is critical for early diagnosis and effective management, ultimately preserving one’s quality of life and freedom of movement in understanding what tendonitis is.
Causes of Tendinitis
Understanding the underlying causes of tendinitis is essential to preventing its onset and recurrence:
Understanding these etiological factors is vital in devising effective preventive and management strategies for tendinitis, ultimately enhancing patient autonomy and quality of life.
Physiotherapy Treatments
Effective physical therapy treatments for tendinitis are fundamental to alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring functional mobility to the affected tendon:
- We tailor therapeutic exercises to enhance tendon strength and flexibility, thereby promoting optimal healing and preventing further injury.
- We employ manual therapy, which includes techniques like soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation, to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
- Additionally, modalities such as ultrasound and shockwave therapy facilitate tissue repair and mitigate inflammation.
- A patient-centred treatment approach necessitates a personalised plan that considers individual needs and functional goals.
- Physical therapists provide education on proper body mechanics and ergonomic modifications to minimise stress on the tendons during daily activities.
- Physical therapists prescribe home exercise programs to ensure ongoing progress outside of clinical sessions, fostering independence and active participation in recovery.
Adherence to a physical therapy regimen is vital for effective tendon healing, mitigating the risk of recurrence, and achieving long-term recovery. Through consistent and guided physical therapy, patients can regain their functional capabilities and enjoy an improved quality of life.
When to Seek Professional Help
If tendinitis symptoms persist despite rest and start to interfere with daily activities, we recommend a prompt medical evaluation. Persistent pain, swelling, restricted movement, and muscle weakness are critical indicators that warrant professional assessment.
Delaying a physio consultation may worsen the condition, leading to chronic pain or a potential tendon rupture. An accurate diagnosis by an experienced physiotherapost is crucial to formulating a tailored treatment plan.
Early intervention with evidence-based physiotherapy treatments can greatly reduce symptoms and enhance functional recovery. Professional guidance ensures the correct application of therapeutic modalities, including stretching exercises, strengthening protocols, and manual therapy techniques.
Additionally, we may refer you for prescription of pharmacological interventions like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections to manage inflammation and pain. Timely professional assistance not only addresses symptom relief, but also focuses on preventing recurrence through patient education on ergonomic practices and activity modification.
For individuals seeking autonomy and an active lifestyle, early and appropriate intervention is vital to regain optimal function and maintain quality of life.
Conclusion
Effectively managing tendinitis requires understanding its symptoms, identifying its causes, and employing physiotherapeutic treatments. It is critical to recognise pain, swelling, and limited movement as early indicators.
Addressing repetitive stress, acute injuries, and age-related degeneration can help to prevent their worsening. Utilising targeted exercises, manual therapy, and modalities within physiotherapy can alleviate discomfort and restore function.
Seeking prompt professional assistance protects against persistent discomfort and possible rupture of the tendon. Thorough, patient-centred care remains crucial in lessening the impacts of tendinitis.
You don’t need to put up with Tendinitis any longer. Our team of experienced Physios have the education and experience to get you moving pain free again.
Take control today by booking in online or call us today on (03) 8104 9270 to get this issue sorted once and for all.
References and further reading:
If you would like to know more about tendonitis, please feel free to click on the links below to read more from the sources we referenced to write this webpage:
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378243
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding-tendinitis-treatment
- National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445129/
- Physio-Pedia: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Tendinopathy
- John Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tendonitis
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/tendinitis
- Cedars Sinai: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/t/tendinitis.html
- Arthritis.org: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/tendinitis
