Tendonitis
How is tendonitis diagnosed?
If you are experiencing tendonitis symptoms, your doctor may recommend the following diagnostic procedures:
Physical exam and medical history
Your doctor will check the area where the pain is concentrated and ask you about:
- Any injuries you have experienced
- Details about your past or current physical activities
- Any previously diagnosed medical conditions
- Any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements that you are taking.
X-rays
This imaging test helps your doctor get a clear view of your tendons. The X-ray results can help to diagnose and monitor your condition.
Muscoskeletal ultrasound
This ultrasound test uses sound waves to produce pictures of your muscles and tendons. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI)
An MRI scan is another tendon imaging procedure. It can produce images for both ligament injury and related intra-articular damage.
How is tendonitis treated?
Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a combination of tendonitis treatments to relieve your symptoms. Treatment for tendonitis usually involves:
Home remedies
You may be asked to:
- Rest the area
- Raise the affected limb
- Apply ice to reduce the swelling
These are often enough to treat tendonitis. However in the case of severe swelling, a plaster cast may be applied to the affected part of the body.
Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be given to ease the pain and reduce the swelling.
Therapy
Physical therapy sessions can help stretch and strengthen the affected tendon through a program of exercises.
Dry needling
This treatment involves inserting needles into the affected tendon.
Ultrasonic treatment
In this minimally invasive procedure, a small incision will be made to reach and remove the tendon scar tissue using ultrasonic sound waves.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary if your condition is severe or when other conservative treatment options have been exhausted. Your doctor may recommend surgery especially if the tendon has torn away from your bone.
This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.
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Understanding Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Tendons are flexible and sturdy bands of tissue that connect the muscle to the bone. When they become inflamed, they cause pain in the affected area.
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