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Tendonitis
What to look for
painful tenderness and/or
stiffness at a joint.
in some cases, numbness or tingling.
occasionally, mild swelling at the joint.
Tendonitis is an inflammation in or around
tendons, bands of strong fibrous tissue that holds muscle to bone.
Tendons are strong and can usually take
whatever we do to them but occasionally they can become swollen because of overexertion,
disease, or injuries. The fibres can become damaged and torn and consequently the pain we
feel can be enormous. The more we use a damaged tendon after it has been damaged, the
worse the pain will become and the longer it will take to heal. Usually tendonitis will
take about 2 weeks to resume normal functioning.
Causes
Tendons can become swollen if they are
overworked for any reason. Sudden exercise when you are not used to it, lifting heavy
weights, sports injuries and repetitive stress can all contribute to tendonitis.
Traditional Treatment
Your doctor will probably recommend you
rest your sore tendon to allow it to heal. You can apply cold compresses immediately after
the problem occurred. You may also need to take a pain killer.
There may be appropriate exercises to
perform to strengthen the areas around the tendon and the tendon itself. Ask a trained
physical therapist for advice.
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Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Aromatherapy -
Chamomile essential oil applied on the
affected area may soothe and reduce the inflammation. Chamomile essential oil applied on the
affected area may soothe and reduce the inflammation.
Herbal Therapies - For
pain, you may be prescribed white willow
(Salix alba) taken orally. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, is sometimes taken
orally with the aim of reducing inflammation in soft tissues. For
pain, you may be prescribed white willow
(Salix alba) taken orally. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, is sometimes taken
orally with the aim of reducing inflammation in soft tissues.
Homoeopathy - Among
the over-the-counter homoeopathic remedies suitable for tendonitis symptoms are Arnica as an anti-inflammatory and Ruta as an antispasmodic. Among
the over-the-counter homoeopathic remedies suitable for tendonitis symptoms are Arnica as an anti-inflammatory and Ruta as an antispasmodic.
Dietary
Considerations
Research suggests that certain vitamin
supplements may help heal tendonitis. Ask your doctor about taking daily supplements of vitamin C, beta
carotene, zinc, vitamin E, silicon and selenium .
Personal Care
Rest, Rest, Rest… You need to keep
your weight off the affected area to help it heal.
Prevention
Always warm up before exercising or lifting
heavy items.
When to seek further
professional advice
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