Tendons are thick fibers that attach muscles to bones, and tendonitis refers to inflammation of one of those tendons. It can cause pain and tenderness that interferes with mobility. If you develop tendonitis, getting treatment from an orthopedist is important to ensure proper healing. Here is what you need to know about this common injury.

Where Does Tendonitis Occur?

Tendonitis can happen in any tendon, but it is most common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Often, people who have tendonitis refer to it with a different name that is associated with the local of the injury, such as tennis elbow or pitcher’s shoulder. These orthopedic injuries earned their names because of their association with the activities they reference, but not everyone with tendonitis has a sports injury.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of tendonitis are the same no matter where the injury occurs. Most people experience pain in the location of the injury, especially when they move the joint that is affected. Tenderness and swelling are also possible. Symptoms may be mild at first and progressively get worse if the injury does not receive attention.

What Are the Treatments?

In most cases, an orthopedist will suggest a regime of rest, ice, and pain medications to treat tendonitis. Steroid injections may also be helpful in reducing inflammation but are not recommended if your injury is chronic, as repeated doses of steroids can actually weaken the tendon. For severe tendonitis, orthopedic surgery may be needed. Surgery is most common if the tendon has separated completely from the bone. For chronic tendonitis and for patients recovering from surgery, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles can help.

Don’t let tendonitis keep you on the sidelines. Help is available at Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine in Queens. For treatment for chronic pain , sports injuries, and more, please call (347) 537-2404.