Tendinitis is an inflammation that affects the tendons. Often, degenerative processes are responsible for the disease. Tendinitis is usually associated with pain for affected patients and develops in part as a result of sports activities or overuse of the tendon at work. When only the sheath of the tendon is affected by the inflammatory processes, the disease is called tendovaginitis.
What is tendinitis?
In tendinitis, inflammatory processes occur in the tendons. The cause of the disease often lies in factors associated with rheumatic diseases. In addition, the disease term is also used in numerous cases when it comes to tendon inflammation as a result of overuse. Strictly speaking, however, these types of inflammation are referred to as tendopathies. Tendinitis is usually treated symptomatically when direct elimination of the underlying factors is not possible. Medical agents are often used to relieve the pain of affected individuals and reduce the inflammatory processes in the tendon.
Causes
The causes of tendonitis are varied and differ from patient to patient. In principle, in numerous cases, the disease develops as a result of degenerative processes inside the affected tendon. Such degenerations increase with increasing age of the patient. External factors that ultimately lead to the development of tendinitis are also possible. Tendinitis is often caused by physical activities and the associated overloading of the tendons. The inflammatory processes in the diseased tendon are favored or triggered, for example, by external injuries and damage, infections or distortions. In principle, it is possible for tendinitis to occur in any tendon of the human body. However, in numerous cases it develops in the elbow or wrist, shoulders or heels. In the majority of affected patients, frequent repetition of certain movements leads to the development of tendinitis. This is often the case during sports or at work, for example as a cashier or construction worker. In this case, it is not necessarily the necessary exertion that is decisive for the development of the inflammation, but rather the constantly repeated movement sequences. The likelihood of tendinitis increases if the movements are performed incorrectly and in a stressful manner. Also risky are unusual sequences of movement or particular positions of the body or the corresponding tendons during loading. For example, if people regularly lift objects above head height, they are more likely to develop inflammation of the tendons under strain. In addition, certain sports are often associated with tendinitis. These include tennis, bowling and golf, for example.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Tendinitis is characterized by certain symptoms that help diagnose the condition. In the majority of cases, significant pain emanates from the affected tendon or area of the body. Irritation in the area of the corresponding tendon is also possible. In some of the patients with tendinitis, noises occur during movement of the inflamed tendon. In addition, patients often suffer from weakness of the affected area, tendons and muscles. The area is often very sensitive, and a lump may also be found on the tendon in question. Some diseased individuals exhibit reddened skin or swelling in the area of tendons affected by tendinitis. For example, if the long tendon on the biceps is inflamed, individuals experience pain when lifting the arm.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
A diagnosis of tendinitis is always made based on the clinical symptoms of the disease that are present. In the process, an anamnesis or a patient interview takes place first. In this process, the ill person is asked to describe to the attending physician the present symptoms, the time of onset of the symptoms, and possible factors in the development. The physician also discusses the lifestyle of the affected person and tries to find out about activities that may have contributed to the inflammation of the tendon. In the second step of the diagnosis, the physician performs several clinical examinations with the patient.By means of palpation of the corresponding area, the physician evokes a pressure pain that already refers to the tendinitis. The patient is asked to move the corresponding part of the body while the physician puts the section under tension. If this results in pain, this also confirms the suspicion of tendinitis. In addition, the physician uses imaging techniques to diagnose tendinitis with certainty. For example, sonography or magnetic resonance imaging may be considered. Arthroscopy can be used to confirm the diagnosis of tendinitis.
Complications
First and foremost, those affected by tendinitis suffer from very severe pain. This occurs mainly in the affected tendon, but can also spread to neighboring regions. If the pain also occurs at night, it can lead to sleep problems and thus possibly to depression and other psychological upsets. Sensory disturbances or paralysis are also possible in the affected area. Furthermore, there may be restrictions in movement. The inflammation of the tendon can spread to the muscles, so that these also become inflamed. The skin in the affected regions is often reddened or affected by itching. The extremities may also hurt as a result of the disease. This is the case even if only one tendon is inflamed. The pain can usually be well limited with painkillers. Complications do not occur. Furthermore, many patients are dependent on therapy to fully restore movement. The patient’s life expectancy is not negatively affected by tendinitis.
When should you see a doctor?
A unilateral tendon pain that seems to have come on suddenly needs to be evaluated by a doctor. If it is tendinitis, medical treatment is necessary. The patient must refrain from sporting activities and, if necessary, wear a cast. The pain usually increases in intensity over a long period of time, initially occurring only in the affected region and then spreading to surrounding areas of the body. Affected body parts can usually only be spread with pain, while they are largely pain-free at rest. Crunching noises may occur during movements, which are a clear indicator of a disease requiring treatment. People who engage in monotonous movement during sports or at work are particularly at risk. Anyone who sits a lot at a PC, plays tennis or wears unfavorable footwear in everyday life should consult a doctor if the aforementioned complaints occur. Those who belong to these risk groups or experience the typical tendinitis pain must consult their family doctor or an orthopedist. Treatment is either medicinal or surgical. If necessary, a physiotherapist must be consulted.
Treatment and therapy
To treat tendinitis, conservative methods of treatment are available on the one hand. For example, medications for pain relief as well as physiotherapy are used. On the other hand, in some cases, surgical interventions are also necessary for the therapy of tendinitis. These are particularly necessary if conservative measures have not yet shown sufficient effect after six months.
Prevention
Prevention of tendinitis involves avoiding all potential overuse of tendons.
Aftercare
In most cases, those affected by tendinitis have only a few and usually limited measures and options for aftercare, so first and foremost, a doctor should be consulted very early in this condition to prevent the occurrence of further complications. As a rule, tendinitis cannot heal itself, so that the patient is always dependent on medical treatment. If there is any uncertainty or side effects occur, a doctor should be contacted first to avert possible complications. Affected persons should pay attention to the prescribed dosage and regular intake, and alcohol should be avoided during the course of treatment. In general, a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet can have a very positive effect on the further course of the disease. Whether tendinitis will result in a reduced life expectancy of the affected person cannot be universally predicted.
You can do it yourself
Patients suffering from tendinitis must take care of the affected joints. After the doctor has diagnosed the condition and prescribed an initial painkiller, it is important to avoid strenuous movements. If the hands or wrist are affected, the patient may need to take sick leave. It is also important to cool the joints. Medicinal ointments are suitable for this, but also home remedies such as curd or aloe vera, which are applied to the swelling in the form of a poultice. With shoulder inflammation, normal arm movements can no longer be performed. The patient may need assistance in everyday life. In this case, it is important to seek help at an early stage so that the condition can be overcome without major restrictions. If necessary, the pain can also be treated using various homeopathic remedies. Patients should contact their doctor for this, who can consult a suitable medical practitioner. If the symptoms do not subside on their own, a visit to the doctor is recommended. Tendinitis can develop into a chronic condition if the causes are not corrected or the inflammation is not completely cured.
