Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon (the cords of tough tissue that connect muscles to bones).

CAUSE
Tendonitis is most commonly caused by injury or overuse during work or play. Less commonly it may be caused by an infection and it may be associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis associated with psoriasis), thyroid disease or diabetes.
Areas where Tendonitis commonly occurs are the shoulder, elbow, tibia in the leg and the Achilles tendon in the heel.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Pain in the tendons when they are moved or touched.
• Pain when the joints near the tendon are moved.
• Swelling of tendon sheaths.
• Grating sensation when the joint is moved (caused by the tendon sheaths rubbing against the tendons).

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a registered medical practitioner.
Diagnosis of Tendonitis will include a physical examination and medical history and possibly x-rays (to rule out arthritis or a bony abnormality) or blood tests (to rule out rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes).
Treatment of Tendonitis may include:
• Rest and immobilization of the area with a splint or cast.
• Hot or cold packs.
• NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Possibly injections of corticosteroids and local anaesthetics into the tendon sheath.
• Chronic Tendonitis may require surgery to remove the inflamed areas.

PREVENTION
• Reducing or avoiding a particular activity to avoid injury or overuse may be useful.
• A change in training routine and/or equipment may be suggested.
• It is important to warm up and cool down before exercising.
• Strengthening and/or range of motion exercises may also be suggested.
• If the Tendonitis affects the leg, it is important to wear the correct footwear, to run on softer surfaces and to avoid running up hills. If the Tendonitis is in the elbow and is caused by injury/overuse from playing tennis, check that your backhand technique is correct, use a less tightly strung racquet and play on slower surfaces.
• Correct positioning and posture during work or play will help to prevent injuries occurring.
• Splints and pads can be used to protect areas that have been affected by Tendonitis to prevent recurrence.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids helps to reduce inflammation and repair connective tissue and collagen after injury.
• Evening Primrose Oil contains gamm-linolenic acid (GLA), which is a building block for anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body.
• Vitamin A and vitamin E help to repair connective tissue and cells.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE
Ask your MedAux Pharmacist for advice.
1. Sometimes a specially designed bandage or splint at night to provide support to the affected area of the body might be recommended. Your Pharmacy stocks a range of supports and bandages. Ask your Pharmacist to show you how to wear the type of support your Doctor may suggest.
2. Ask your Pharmacist about non-drug methods of pain relief. Cold/hot packs are available from your Pharmacy.
3. Ask your Pharmacist about pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medication.
4. Fish oil and evening primrose oil have properties, which may help to reduce inflammation associated with the injury. Ginger has demonstrated anti-inflammatory action and can be applied directly on the area as a juice or included in the diet.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor.