Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon or the tissue around it. A tendon is a bundle of fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone and transmitting the force produced by the muscle; it withstands bending, stretching and twisting. But when over-fatigued, torn or otherwise injured, the tendon becomes inflamed. If continuous joint movement further worsens the injury, pain becomes obvious or worse. Most tendinitis heals within about two weeks, but chronic tendinitis can last over 6 weeks, usually because the patient does not give the tendon enough time to heal; diabetes, arthritis and gout can slow healing. Routine emergency treatment follows the RICE/ICRE steps: rest, ice, heat on the affected area, and elevation of the limb. Aspirin and ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Ultrasound and sauna therapy relax muscles and tendons, improve circulation and promote healing; occasionally corticosteroids may be used.

Common Symptoms

Ulcer pain; tennis elbow; wrist pain; Guan Jueyin; shoulder strain; persistent pain

Causes

Tendinitis is caused by strain from reflex or mechanical trauma that over time becomes chronic, causing local qi-blood stasis and blocked meridians. Liver yin deficiency: the fascia relies on nourishment by liver blood; only with sufficient liver blood can the tendons be nourished and normal activity maintained. In younger adults, especially women, disseminated gonococcal infection can cause migratory tenosynovitis with or without localized synovitis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis often have concurrent tendinitis. Most common sites: (1) the shoulder joint capsule and related tendons, flexor carpi ulnaris, common flexor digitorum, hip joint capsule and related tendons, hamstring and Achilles tendons, and abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis sharing a common fibrous sheath; affected tendons usually hurt on movement. (2) Quervain's disease is tenosynovitis of the abductor pollicis longus or extensor pollicis brevis. (3) Bicipital tendinitis arises from inflammation of the tendon enclosing the long head of the biceps, i.e. tennis elbow. (4) Greater trochanteric bursitis occurs at the lateral prominence of the greater trochanter of the femur.

Treatment

Surgery, supportive treatment, rehabilitation therapy

Prevention

To prevent the disease and aid recovery, patients may: 1. Rest the muscles but avoid too long rest to prevent atrophy. 2. If tendinitis is exercise-related, changing the sport is an option. 3. A massage bath helps raise body temperature and circulation. 4. Apply a warm wet towel to the knee. 5. Stretch muscles often, especially before exercise. 6. Wear a knee brace to strengthen muscles and tendons. 7. Use ice to reduce swelling and pain, but not for people with heart disease, diabetes or vascular problems. 8. Elevate the affected part to control swelling. 9. Take non-steroidal painkillers to reduce inflammation and swelling. 10. A short rest is the best way to relieve muscle tension. 11. Warm up before exercise, move calmly and smoothly, and vary the way you exercise.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the orthopedic surgery department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.