Do your limbs hurt all the time? This could be tendonitis!

Do you sometimes feel a strange pain coming from places like your shoulder, elbow, or knee? To be precise, it's around the joints, that is, the places where muscles and bones connect. If so, you may have what we're talking about, tendonitis. Don't worry, this is a treatable condition that affects many people.

What is Tendonitis? What is a tendon?

Simply put, tendonitis is the inflammation or swelling of tendons in our body. Now you must be wondering what tendons are, right? Tendons are strong, white bands of tissue that connect our muscles to our bones. When we move our arms and legs, run, jump, or lift something, these tendons transmit the force from the muscles to the bones and help them perform that movement. So, when these important tendons are damaged in some way and become inflamed, it is called tendonitis. This can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) .

What are the common types of tendonitis?

Tendonitis can come in many forms. Often, these are named based on the sport in which the condition is most common, or the part of the body that is affected. Let's look at some of the most common types:

• Tennis elbow: A pain that occurs on the outside of the elbow. It can occur not only in tennis players, but also in those who do jobs that put constant strain on the elbow.
• Golfer's elbow: Pain on the inside of the elbow.
• Pitcher's shoulder: An injury to the shoulder of pitchers in sports such as baseball.
• Swimmer's shoulder: A shoulder injury that occurs in swimmers.
• Runner's knee or jumper's knee: A knee condition that most commonly occurs in runners and jumpers.

These are the types that are mainly discussed, but tendons can also swell in other places.

How common is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is actually a relatively common condition. Because we all put too much pressure on our tendons or damage them during our daily activities, sports, and hobbies, it is important to be aware of this.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Now let's see what you might feel when you develop this 'Tendonitis'.

• The main thing is the pain. It's in and around your tendon. This pain can increase when you move or use the muscle in question.
• The joints may feel a little stiff, or they may be difficult to move. This stiffness may be worse first thing in the morning.
• Some people may hear a 'tick-tock' sound when shaking, or feel like something is exploding or getting stuck inside.
• There may be swelling. The skin in that area may be red, possibly blue-purple, or even darker than your skin color.

This pain can build up gradually over time, or it can come on suddenly. The pain can be severe, especially if you have calcium deposits in your tissues (which can sometimes look like small bumps on the skin). You may also feel itchy because of these bumps.

Where on the body do these symptoms most often occur?

Tendonitis can occur anywhere a tendon connects a muscle to a bone, but the most common locations are:

• The base of your thumb.
• Elbow – Often on the back of the forearm, when the arm is turned up, the tendon attaches to the back of the elbow.
• Shoulder.
• Hip.
• Knee – Most often below the kneecap, where the tendon attaches to the shin bone (tibia).
• Achilles tendon – This is the muscle at the back of your heel that connects to the heel bone. It is common for runners and jumpers to have injuries to this tendon.

Why does this tendonitis occur?

Well, why does this `Tendonitis` occur? There can be several reasons:

• Overuse or repetitive movements. Think about typing on a computer, lifting weights in the same way, or playing the same sport day after day. These things can cause minor damage to the tendons and cause them to swell over time.
• A strain is a sudden, strenuous movement. For example, if you suddenly try to lift something heavy, or if you fall and suddenly hit your arm.
• Direct injury.

In addition, tendonitis can also occur as a side effect of certain medications . For example, some people may develop this condition when taking cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins or antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones.

Additionally, some underlying diseases can weaken the tendons and increase the risk of tendonitis. These include:

• `Diabetes Mellitus`
• `Rheumatoid arthritis`
• Gout or pseudogout (these are conditions caused by uric acid or calcium deposits in the joints)
• Osteoarthritis (joint damage caused by bone wear)
• Some kind of infection.

Who is at higher risk of developing tendonitis?

Although anyone can get tendonitis, some people are more likely to develop it, especially those who do the same things over and over again. For example:

• People who work on plantations and decorate gardens.
• Woodworkers (carpenters).
• People working with shovels.
• Painters.
• People who work hard to scrub and clean something.
• People who play sports like tennis, golf, badminton, baseball, and basketball.

There are other risk factors:

• Sitting or working in the wrong posture. For example, not sitting properly while working on a computer.
• Having certain medical conditions that weaken muscles.
• Your age. Generally, after the age of 40, our tendons can withstand less strain, have less elasticity, and can tear and become damaged more easily.

What happens if this is left untreated? (Complications)

If tendonitis is not treated properly, some complications can occur. These can also interfere with your daily activities.

• Chronic tendonitis: This means there is a constant dull pain when moving. This can last for months, even years.
• It can be difficult, if not impossible, to move around the affected area. This can make it difficult to even do your normal activities.
• Tendon rupture: This is a serious condition. If the tendon completely ruptures, surgery may be necessary.
• Muscle weakness: When the tendon does not work properly, the associated muscle may also gradually weaken.

Therefore, it is very important to seek medical advice as soon as symptoms begin.

How does a doctor know for sure that this is tendonitis?

When you see a doctor with these symptoms, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms. How long have you had the pain, how did it start, and when does the pain get worse? Then they will examine you physically. They will look at the affected area and tell you to move that area.

Most of the time, this test can tell if you have tendonitis. However, sometimes imaging tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis or to check for other problems.

• X-ray: This can check for problems with the bones or calcium deposits.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This allows us to see the condition of soft tissues like tendons and muscles very clearly. It can tell exactly if there is any swelling or tearing of the tendon.

How is Tendonitis treated?

Well, how do you treat this `Tendonitis`? There are several treatment methods. First, try to provide relief with simple treatments.

Step One: Things You Can Do at Home

• Rest: It is very important to rest the injured area. Avoid activities that cause pain for a while.
• Ice: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day on the day of the injury, or when there is pain or swelling. This can be an ice pack wrapped in a cloth.
• Compression: To reduce swelling, you can wrap the area with an elastic bandage to make it a little tighter. But don't make it so tight that it cuts off blood flow.
• Elevation: If possible, keep the injured area slightly above the level of your heart. This will also help reduce swelling.
• Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., OTC anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen) can be used under medical advice.

If these things don't improve within a few weeks (usually 2-3 weeks), a doctor will suggest other treatments.

Treatment under the supervision of a doctor

• Corticosteroid injections: These are medications called steroids that are injected directly into the affected tendon. They can quickly reduce swelling and pain in the tendon. However, it is not advisable to use these injections continuously.
• Physical therapy: This is a very effective treatment for tendonitis. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises. These exercises strengthen the muscles around the injured tendon, increase the flexibility of the tendon, and restore range of motion to the joint. A splint may also be recommended for the hand or forearm. In cases of tendonitis, applying a gradual load to the tendon, called eccentric loading, is essential to improve the condition and restore function. This is also addressed in physical therapy.
• Surgery: This is not necessary in most cases. Surgery is only considered for those who have not responded to other treatments, have very severe symptoms, or in cases such as a torn tendon.

Are there any side effects of the treatment?

As with any treatment, there are some possible side effects. So talk to your doctor about possible side effects before starting treatment.

• If you get a corticosteroid injection, you may experience pain and swelling at the injection site for a few days.
• After physical therapy, you may feel some body aches and fatigue for the first few days.
• If you have surgery, you may experience bleeding, infection, or problems related to anesthesia.

How long does it take for tendonitis to heal?

This can really vary from person to person. This time depends on things like the severity of the injury, the treatments you receive, and how much rest you get.

Typically, mild cases of tendonitis will begin to heal within two to three weeks. However, if the tendonitis is severe or long-lasting, it may take several months to fully heal.

The best way to recover quickly is to rest and follow your doctor's instructions . Avoid strenuous exercise, sports, or heavy lifting until you are well. Your doctor or physical therapist will tell you when you can return to your favorite sports and activities.

Can't we prevent the development of tendonitis?

Absolutely! Tendonitis is a condition that is often preventable. If you take care of the little things, you can reduce this risk.

• Don't stay in the same position. Take a break every 30 minutes, change positions, and walk around a bit.
• Learn proper posture and body mechanics when doing any task. For example, when lifting a heavy object, keep your back straight and bend your knees.
• Position your body directly in front of the item you want to pick up. When reaching for the item, reach straight ahead. Never bend to the side to pick up the item.
• If you need to pick up something above your head, do it in the middle of your body, reaching up with both hands if possible. Use a stool.
• When holding or lifting something, hold it firmly, but don't squeeze it.
• Do not lift heavy objects with one hand. Also, do not carry a heavy object for long distances with one hand at your side. Divide the load into two and carry it with both hands.
• Don't sit with one leg tucked under your body for a long time.
• Most importantly: If you feel pain, stop what you're doing! "No pain, no gain" doesn't work everywhere.

How to reduce risk during exercise and sports?

You can reduce the risk of developing tendonitis by doing these things before exercising or starting a sport:

• Warm up well before starting the activity. Then do stretching exercises for the relevant muscles and tendons.
• Use clothing, shoes, and protective equipment that is appropriate for the sport or exercise you are doing.
• Start slowly. Don't push yourself too hard all at once. Gradually increase your activity level and intensity.
• If you feel pain, stop what you are doing. Rest.

What can you expect if you have tendonitis?

Most people diagnosed with tendonitis recover very well with proper treatment and rest. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Do not return to physical activity, especially the activity that caused the injury, until your doctor says, "It's okay, you can return to normal activities."

But remember, even if you have tendonitis and are treated, if you put too much pressure on the tendon again, or use it incorrectly , it can happen again. This is a repetitive strain injury. Your doctor, sports medicine physician, or physical therapist will give you advice on how to reduce the risk of tendonitis recurring in the future. It is very important to follow these instructions.

If you have these symptoms, definitely see a doctor!

In addition to the typical symptoms of tendonitis, you should definitely see a doctor immediately if you have any of the following:

• Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius, or 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
• If the affected area is swollen, red, and feels very warm to the touch .
• If you feel generally unwell or unwell (e.g., as if you have a cold).
• If there is pain not in one place, but in several places at once .
• If you can't move the injured area, or if it feels numb.

These may be signs of another medical condition, such as an infection, that requires immediate attention.

What questions can you ask the doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, don't be afraid to ask questions. Having a good understanding of your condition will help your treatment be successful. Here are some examples:

• Do I have tendonitis, or something else like arthritis?
• When can I start playing sports and exercising again?
• Are there any side effects to the treatments I have been prescribed? What are they?
• Will I need surgery?
• What should I do to prevent this situation from happening again?

Finally, what to remember! (Take-Home Message)

Tendonitis is a really annoying condition that can interfere with your daily life. When a tendon becomes inflamed and injured, it can take weeks, or even months, for it to heal. If you are an active person or play sports, this can be a bit of a challenge. But proper rest is essential for a speedy recovery.

Do not go back to the field, track, or gym until the doctor says "you can now." Follow your doctor's and physical therapy's instructions exactly. Learn to avoid injuries that lead to tendonitis.

Remember, listen to your body. Pain is a signal from your body. Don't ignore it! With proper rest, proper treatment, and preventative measures, you can get over this condition and be healthy again.

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