Your Treatments for Tendinitis

Tendinitis happens when a tendon 一 a tissue that connects your muscles to your bones 一 becomes inflamed due to overuse, strain, or sports injury. Not only does tendinitis cause nagging pain, but it can also impact your day-to-day activities. 

The good news is that you have many options for treating tendinitis. Read on as our team of providers highlights at-home tendinitis treatments and your potential medical interventions at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia. 

Do you have tendinitis?

Before trying any at-home treatments or medication interventions, the first step is to confirm that you’re dealing with tendinitis. You might suspect you have tendinitis if you have:

• Pain that gets worse when you move
• Swelling
• Grating sensation when you move the tendon
• Stiff joints 

The most common places to develop tendinitis are in your elbow, thumb joint, shoulder, hip, and knee. 

At-home treatments for tendonitis

If untreated, tendinitis can develop into chronic tendinitis, muscle weakness, or tendon ruptures. At-home treatments include:

Rest and immobilization

Because tendinitis is often the result of overuse, rest and immobilization can help prevent further injury. You can immobilize your tendon through braces or splints to help prevent further strain and allow the inflammation to subside.

Ice and heat therapy

In addition to resting your inflamed tendon, consider using ice and heat therapy. Alternating between ice and heat applications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Applying ice packs in the initial stages of tendinitis helps numb the area and control swelling, while later stages may benefit from heat therapy to promote blood circulation and relaxation. 

Tip: Never place a cold pack directly onto your skin. Always add a layer of cloth, such as a tea towel, between your skin and the ice.

Stretches and exercise

If you’re prescribed any stretches or eccentric exercises 一 exercises that involve lengthening the tendon under tension 一 continue to do these at home.

Over-the-counter medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, it's essential to use these medications under the guidance of your International Spine, Pain & Performance Center provider and adhere to recommended dosages.

Medical treatments for tendinitis 

In addition to at-home treatments, medical interventions can also help with tendon injuries. Your potential options include:

Medication

In addition to over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, you may also benefit from prescription pain relief medication and anti-inflammatories. 

Physical therapy

The International Spine, Pain & Performance Center team offers physical therapy in our offices in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia. They can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen your affected tendon, improve flexibility, and correct any contributing factors, such as improper biomechanics.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP therapy is a type of regenerative therapy that helps your body heal. The platelets in your blood are rich in healing factors, so when they're concentrated into a serum, they help jumpstart your body's ability to heal.

Nutritional support

While your food won’t immediately heal your tendinitis, what you can eat can support your body’s ability to heal. Research indicates that collagen-rich foods and dark leafy greens are the most supportive food choices when dealing with tendon injuries.

Not sure where to start? Our team includes nutritional guidance as part of our repertoire.

Get help for tendon pain today 

As interventional pain management specialists, our team is here to help improve the function of your tendon and alleviate your symptoms. Don't brush off the pain any longer. Call the closest location or use our online booking tool to request an appointment.