What causes tendonitis?
You have hundreds of tendons in your body that attach your muscles to your bones. Although they’re designed to withstand pressure from your body weight and repeated tension, in some cases, tendons become inflamed.
Any tendon can be strained or overused, although your Achilles tendon, which runs down the back of your lower leg, is often most prone to inflammation (Achilles tendonitis). Your case of tendonitis can be linked to several causes and risk factors, including:
- Flat feet or high arches
- Obesity or being overweight
- Older age, since tendons weaken the older you get
- Acute injury, such as landing incorrectly after jumping
- Repeated motions, which is common with wrist tendonitis
- Overuse from sports or exercise, as with rotator cuff or elbow tendonitis
- Poor or inadequate training routines, which are common with weekend warriors
Your risk of suffering from tendonitis is also elevated if you have chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, or diabetes.
When should I see a doctor for tendonitis?
The team at Cardio Metabolic Institute encourages you to come in for a tendonitis evaluation if you have soreness and pain in any of your extremities. It’s especially important to come in right away if you’re experiencing:
- Stiffness or swelling near a joint
- Difficulty bearing weight on a foot or ankle
- Limited range of motion, like difficulty moving your arm
Because each Cardio Metabolic Institute location boasts state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, your dedicated physician can gather any essential imaging they may need on the spot, so you can move forward with your treatment plan.
What is the treatment for tendonitis?
Tendonitis, as with most soft tissue injuries, is going to take time to heal. The team of doctors, physical therapists, and other medical providers at Cardio Metabolic Institute work together to relieve your pain and promote tissue healing. Treating tendonitis can include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections or medications
- Casting, bracing, or splinting
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- TOPAZ™ procedure
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
If you’re an athlete or exercise regularly, the team at Cardio Metabolic Institute works with you to ensure you’re cross-training during your tendonitis recovery period, so you can get back to your sport and be able to perform at your best.
Schedule your tendonitis evaluation at Cardio Metabolic Institute by clicking on the online scheduler. You can also call your most convenient location to speak with a team member.
