Preventing And Healing Tendonitis Symptoms and Related Issues

The tissues which facilitate our movement are the tendons; these tough, fibrous tissues connect our muscles to our bones. Tendonitis is a condition in which these tissues are inflamed. The condition is known by a number of different names, depending largely on where the inflammation is. Inflammation in the knee or elbow may be known as jumper’s knee or tennis elbow, respectively.

Tendonitis symptoms are usually due to repetitive strain; over time, repetitive motion can cause tears in tendons, leading to inflammation. The pain tendonitis causes can be anywhere from a mild annoyance to nearly debilitating, depending how long the inflammation has lasted. Continuing to place strain on the tendon will worsen the damage and with it the inflammation and pain. However, the condition can be prevented from becoming worse through the use of wraps or splints to keep the area at rest. Hot and cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the swelling and pain of tendonitis while it the tendons heal.

In order to prevent your tendonitis from leading to long term or even permanent damage, you will have to know tendonitis symptoms so you can begin getting treatment before more serious injury can occur. These are the most common signs of tendonitis:

Pain

Swelling

Affected area can feel warm to the touch

Restricted range of motion, especially early in the morning or late in the evening

* Stiffness

Burning sensation

Pain when the affected area is touched

How To Prevent Tendonitis Symptoms

Prevention is always the best treatment with any kind of injury. While you don’t actually have to give up sports or other physical activities, you will have to do these things with caution.

One of the most common ways to get tendonitis is by not warming up and cooling down before exercising. When you warm up before strenuous activity, you stretch the muscle and the tendon, which properly prepares them for the ensuing exercise. Afterward it is important to cool down, again with stretching.

Tendonitis symptoms can also occur from the strain of daily activity. People who are overweight are particularly prone to tendonitis, since the heavier you are, the more weight your joints and tendons have to carry. You can help to prevent tendonitis from developing by losing any excess weight you may be carrying.

Posture is another factor in the development of tendonitis. Follow good ergonomic principles at work by using ergonomically correct furniture and office equipment. While you’re playing sports, you need to follow proper form to prevent injury.

During exercise or while playing your favorite sport you should be aware of your body positioning as well. Over extending your joints is a perfect way to tear the tendons and cause yourself significant pain. If you are just starting out in a sport such as tennis or golf, try to get formal instruction about proper form to prevent tendonitis symptoms from occurring.

There are many methods for preventing and treating tendonitis. You can use rubs, wraps and ice packs to reduce the swelling and pain, but perhaps the best thing you can do is to rest the affected area so that it can heal. Anytime you feel pain, swelling or burning it is a good idea to stop whatever is causing the pain and seek medical attention.

Tom Nicholson has spent years caring for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please follow this link to find out more about having asore wrist.