Tendonitis Specialist

What is tendonitis?

Tendonitis is an inflamed tendon. Tendons are thick fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. Tendonitis often causes tenderness and pain near a joint. While this condition can happen to any tendon, it commonly shows up in your knees, heels, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Like tendonitis, bursitis is often a painful condition. It affects the fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons, bones, and muscles near your joints. When these sacs (bursae) become inflamed, bursitis is the result.

What are the most common kinds of tendonitis?

Common kinds of tendonitis you or a loved one might encounter include:

• Jumper’s knee
• Swimmer’s shoulder
• Golfer’s elbow
• Tennis elbow
• Pitcher’s shoulder

If tendonitis causes severe or ongoing pain, see the Texas Pain Intervention Clinic team for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Common symptoms of tendonitis include:

• Dull, aching pain
• Pain with movement
• Swelling
• Tenderness

Bursitis symptoms include stiffness, achiness, swelling, redness, and pain with pressure or movement.

Without treatment, tendonitis can cause a tendon rupture, a severe condition that can require surgery.

What are the risk factors for tendonitis?

Tendonitis can affect anyone, but certain things increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:

• Repetitive motions
• Playing sports
• Overtraining
• Older age
• Awkward positions
• Forceful exertions
• Vibrations
• Frequent overhead reaching

Ways to reduce your risk of tendonitis and bursitis include avoiding repetitive motions, training properly for sports,  and maintaining a healthy weight. Also, getting regular exercise, stretching, and using proper lifting techniques are important. Don’t overtrain, and be sure to warm up properly before any physical activity.

How does my doctor diagnose tendonitis?

Dr. Maheshwari can often diagnose tendonitis during a physical exam. He also reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. Dr. Maheshwari might order blood tests and X-rays, an ultrasound, MRI, or another imaging procedure to find the root cause of your pain.

What are common tendonitis treatments?

Common treatments for tendonitis and bursitis include:

Home remedies

Tendonitis might go away with home remedies. Examples include rest, ice or heat packs, compression, and elevation. Wearing a brace can also help.

Medications

Medications can reduce the pain and inflammation that come with tendonitis and bursitis. Dr. Maheshwari lets you know which over-the-counter or prescription medicines are right for you.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy strengthens muscles and joints, speeds up the healing of tendonitis, and reduces your pain and risk of further injury.

Regenerative medicine

Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal itself and generate new tissues.

Other injections

Joint injections help reduce inflammation and pain.

Dry needling

Dry needling makes tiny holes in your tendon using a fine needle to stimulate your body’s healing response and reduce tendonitis pain.

Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasonic treatment can remove tendon scar tissue using a tiny incision and sound waves.

Surgery

You might need surgery in severe cases of a tendon or joint injury.

Don’t let tendonitis affect your quality of life when simple treatments can reduce pain and accelerate healing. Call the Texas Pain Intervention Clinic to schedule an appointment or request one online today.