Tendonitis Treatments at Eastside Medical Group
Tendonitis is one of the many conditions we treat at Xcell Medical.
At Eastside Medical Group, we strive to correct the mechanical problem that is the underlying cause of tendonitis. Let’s start with a brief definition of exactly what tendonitis is. I will then explain the different types of tendonitis, as well as how we diagnose and treat (fix) tendonitis.
Tendonitis defined
Let’s break it down.
The tendon is the flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.
Itis is the suffix which means inflammation.
So we basically have an inflamed tendon.
When we talk about tendonitis we usually refer to it by the area of the body where the pain is. If the pain is in the patellar tendon we would call it “patellar tendonitis” this is more commonly called “jumper’s knee” seen often in basketball players.
Tendonitis is also seen in the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and Achilles tendon of the ankle. Tennis and golfers elbow are also very common forms of tendonitis.
Diagnosis of Tendonitis
Tendonitis is primarily diagnosed by its symptoms and onset.
Symptoms of tendonitis range from a stiff dull aching joint, to a burning swollen joint that you can barely move without pain. Occasionally there is heat and redness and even obvious knots and trigger points in the affected joint.
We find that repetitive activity makes the condition much worse and that rest or disuse leads to stiffness and pain with movement. The condition is a form of overusing a non-functioning joint. If you continue to run with a foot or ankle dysfunction you will likely end up with tendonitis.
Let me explain: If your calcaneus (heel) bone is jammed posterior it causes a lot of tension on the Achilles. This can cause tendonitis.
Tendonitis Treatments
The most basic remedy for tendonitis is to stop or reduce the activity that causes the pain and apply ice to reduce the inflammation. Compression or wrapping the joint as well as elevating can also reduce symptoms.
The chiropractic “fix” is to find the fixation or restriction in the joint and mobilize (adjust) it to return the joint to normal function. At Eastside Medical Group, we also use ultrasound to help speed along the healing process.
Our medical team can also prescribe NSAIDs and administer steroid injections over the short-term with other modalities used for long-term relief.