Are you dealing with pain and swelling in your tendons or around joints? Have you experienced a sudden tear that’s now limiting your mobility?
If so, you may be suffering from tendonitis or a tendon tear. While not usually severe, these conditions can severely limit joint range of motion if left untreated — so it’s essential to recognize the symptoms and to seek treatment as soon as possible.
In this post, we’ll discuss the two conditions in detail, how they’re similar and differ from each other, and what treatments are available for proper healing. We’ll also share tips for preventing complications, such as stretching exercises.
What are Tendonitis & Tendon Tears?
Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones, enabling them to work together to move the body. Unfortunately, tendons can develop tendonitis when they become inflamed due to overuse or injury. In more severe cases, the tendon can tear completely, resulting in significant pain and even the need for surgery.
As you can imagine, tendonitis and tendon tears are two common injuries that can seriously impact mobility and quality of life. Both conditions cause pain and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
While these injuries can be frustrating and take time to heal, there are treatment options available that can help alleviate symptoms and facilitate recovery. By understanding the causes of tendonitis and tendon tears and seeking proper medical attention, you can take steps to prevent and manage tendon damage.
Symptoms of Tendonitis & Tendon Tears
Tendonitis and tendon tears most commonly result from overuse or injury to a tendon in your body, so you might feel symptoms including pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint or muscle. Tenderness and stiffness are also common indications of tendon issues.
As the severity of the condition progresses, the injured area may become weaker and more challenging to use. If you suspect tendonitis or a tendon tear, seeking medical attention is essential, as early intervention can keep the condition from worsening and ensure proper healing.
Treatment Options for Tendonitis & Tendon Tears
As we’ve mentioned, tendonitis and tendon tears can be painful and frustrating, but several treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Non-surgical treatments include rest, icing, and physical therapy to strengthen the affected area.
- Other non-invasive methods like joint injections and regenerative medicine treatments can also be helpful for some patients.
- Over-the-counter pain medication and compression sleeves may also provide relief.
- Surgical intervention, such as tendon repair or reconstruction, may be necessary for more severe cases.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
3 Tips for How to Avoid Further Damage from Overusing Tendons
Overusing your tendons can cause severe damage, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. But this doesn’t mean you should stop using them entirely. Instead, be mindful of how often and intensely you work your tendons.
To avoid further tendon damage, it’s essential to:
- Incorporate rest periods into your routine, alternating between activities that require different muscle groups.
- Stretch before and after exercise to help reduce the risk of injury.
- Notice that if pain persists, it’s time to seek medical attention rather than pushing through the discomfort.
Tendonitis and tendon tears are painful and can take time to heal if not taken seriously. Remember that prevention is critical: be mindful of high-intensity activities, avoid overworking your muscles or joints, incorporate warm-up and cool-down stretches around exercise, and rest when necessary! Lastly, ensure you proactively acquire proper medical care if you experience ongoing symptoms of tendonitis or tear.
Concerned you might have tendonitis or a tendon tear? Contact Maragal Medical Group in Worcester, MA today to learn how we can help you restore your tendon health.