Tendinitis is the swelling or irritation of a tendon — one of the thick, fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone. Tendons are mostly found around the shoulders, knees, elbows, heels and wrists.
Tendinitis may occur from a sudden injury or from repetition of a specific movement over time. The condition is painful, but with proper treatment, you can relieve inflammation and pain, as well as help speed recovery. There are several things you can do at home to alleviate symptoms if you suffer from tendinitis pain.
Rest
Regardless of how small, muscles are significantly involved in every motion. If you suffer from tendinitis, it’s essential to avoid any movements or exercises of the muscles in the area that may stress or strain your injured tendon. While rest is necessary to heal tissues, it is not recommended to go on complete bed rest. Engage in light activities that can be tolerated to maintain joint flexibility.
Ice
Another powerful home remedy for tendinitis is ice. When ice is applied around the injured area, it reduces pain, swelling and muscle spasms. Apply ice up to around 20 minutes several times a day for better results.
Compression
Severe inflammation can cause loss of motion in a wounded joint. To alleviate any loss of movement, compressing the area can be a great solution. Apply compressive bandages and wraps until the inflammation is gone. Just be sure to not wrap too tightly as it could restrict necessary blood flow.
Over-the-counter medication
Tendinitis is associated with a lot of discomfort. If the pain is very severe or interferes with your daily life, over-the-counter medications can help to kill the pain. Such medications may include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and more. Take only as directed and refer to your physician with any questions.
Elevation
Depending on the location of the tendinitis, particularly if in the knee joint, elevation can be a simple solution to help alleviate pain and swelling. Simply prop up the injured area until it sits above chest level and rest.
Tendinitis can be quite uncomfortable and painful, and without proper attention, the injury and pain could become more severe. If the discomfort has become too much or you find that home remedies are not working, contact Missouri Orthopedics & Advanced Sports Medicine today.