Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon or any of the thick fibrous cords that attach muscles to bone. The condition, which causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint, is most common around the shoulders, elbows (tennis elbow) and knees. But it can also occur in the hips and wrists.
Tendons are usually surrounded by a sheath of tissue similar to the lining of the joints (synovium). They're subject to wear and tear, direct injury and inflammatory diseases. The most common cause of tendonitis is injury or overuse during work or play. Occasionally, an infection within the tendon sheath is responsible for the inflammation. The condition also may be associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. |
Treatment:
If tendonitis is severe and leads to the rupture of a tendon, you may need surgical repair. This is almost certainly the case if the rupture is in the Achilles tendon, which is just above the heel. But in many cases, rest and medications to reduce pain and inflammation may be the only treatment you need. You can also take simple preventive measures to reduce your chance of developing tendonitis or to keep it from affecting the normal range of motion in joints such as the foot or lower limb.
If tendonitis is severe and leads to the rupture of a tendon, you may need surgical repair. This is almost certainly the case if the rupture is in the Achilles tendon, which is just above the heel. But in many cases, rest and medications to reduce pain and inflammation may be the only treatment you need. You can also take simple preventive measures to reduce your chance of developing tendonitis or to keep it from affecting the normal range of motion in joints such as the foot or lower limb.