Tendonitis - FAQ

A: Tendinosis refers to tiny tears in tendinous tissue. The condition is caused by overuse and may take weeks or months to heal.

During your recovery, avoid using your injured tendon too soon, as it can lead to more damage. To avoid hurting your tendon again, consider the following long-term changes:

• Explore other ways of doing your job if your job caused the tendon injury.
• Change the way you do your activities. For example, if running caused the injury, alternate it with swimming. Try switching hands or changing your grip if the way you use a tool is causing the problem.
• Take lessons or ask a professional trainer to check your technique if exercise is causing the problem.
• Take time to warm up and stretch when you exercise or work.

A: While it is possible for tendons to heal on their own, it is very difficult to:

• Self-diagnose your injury
• Gauge the severity of the injuries based on your symptoms alone

Seek prompt treatment if you have injuries that cause severe pain or pain that does not lessen in time. A doctor can quickly diagnose your injury and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Untreated tendon and ligament injuries increase the risk of both chronic pain and secondary injuries. Do seek medical care instead of ignoring the pain.

A: If you:

• Recently injured your tendons, you should avoid massaging the area within 48 hours of your injury, as this could exacerbate your condition.
• Have chronic or persistent tendonitis, you may benefit from massage therapy. Massage therapy should be used as a complementary treatment to traditional treatments for tendonitis. You will achieve the best results with a combined management plan of rest, icing, pain relief and massage therapy.

Do consult with an orthopaedic surgeon for professional medical advice on your tendonitis condition.

A: Tendonitis is mostly caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or from a sudden more serious injury. Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints.

While tendonitis affects tendons, arthritis affects the cartilage that connects bones in a joint. Unlike tendonitis, which tends to heal faster, arthritis is usually a long-term condition that develops as one gets older.

Whether it is tendonitis or arthritis, getting an accurate diagnosis and early treatment are important in relieving discomfort and improving joint movement.

Do consult with an orthopaedic surgeon for professional medical advice on your tendonitis or arthritis condition.

A: Biceps tendonitis may occur due to:

• Repetitive motion
• A sudden, traumatic load or force to the tendon

It can affect your shoulder or elbow. Professional baseball players, swimmers, tennis players and golfers are at risk for tendonitis in their shoulders, arms and elbows.

A: Symptoms of an elbow ligament or tendon tear can vary, based on the injury and location. You may experience:

• Pain and tenderness around the injury
• Reduced range of motion around the arm, elbow, forearm or wrist
• Weakness in the hands and wrists
• Stiffness around the elbow
• Swelling

Consult with an orthopaedic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your elbow condition.