Playing too much tennis and golf are common causes of elbow joint tendinitis, thus the terms “tennis elbow” and “golfer’s elbow. " Acute tendonitis will usually heal itself if you give your body a chance to rest, but if you don’t, it can become a chronic (ongoing) problem that’s much more difficult to treat.
If the inflammation is in smaller, more exposed tendons/muscles (such as the wrist or elbow), then apply the ice for about 10 minutes. If it’s a larger or deeper tendon/muscle (such as the shoulder or hip), then leave the ice on for closer to 20 minutes. While you’re icing the inflamed tendon, elevate the area and compress it by tying a Tensor or Ace bandage around the area — both techniques more efficiently combat inflammation. Don’t forget to wrap ice up in a thin cloth before your apply it, as it will prevent negative reactions such as ice burn or frostbite.
As an alternative to pills, consider applying an anti-inflammatory/pain-relieving cream or gel to your inflamed tendon, especially if it’s close to the skin’s surface where it can be absorbed and have a greater impact. Avoid the use of painkillers (acetaminophen) or muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine) for your symptoms, because they don’t address inflammation.
For chronic tendonitis or as an injury prevention strategy, apply moist heat to the affected area before stretching it because the muscles and tendons will be warmed up and more flexible. Keep in mind that the pain of tendonitis is usually worse at night and after movement or activity.
However, complete immobility of an inflamed area is not recommended either because tendons, muscles and related joints need some movement to get consistent blood circulation in order to heal properly. In addition to wearing a support, examine the ergonomics of your work area and make sure it suits your size and body type. If need be, adjust your chair, keyboard and desktop to alleviate excessive stress on your joints and tendons.
Most surgeries for severe tendonitis is performed arthroscopically, by inserting a small camera and miniature instruments through small incisions close to joints. [8] X Research source For chronic tendonitis, focused aspiration of scar tissue (FAST) is a minimally invasive surgery that removes scar tissue from the tendon without irritating the healthy tissue. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Physical therapists can also treat inflamed tendons with therapeutic ultrasound or micro-current, both proven to help relieve inflammation and stimulate healing. Some physical therapists (and other medical professionals) use low-energy light waves (infrared) to decrease inflammation and pain in mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal injuries. [11] X Research source
Steroid injections provide short-term pain relief, but may not have long-term success. [14] X Research source In addition to tendon weakening, other side effects associated with steroid injections include infection, local muscle atrophy, nerve damage and reduced immune function. If steroid injections fail to resolve the tendonitis, particularly if it’s in conjunction with physical therapy, then some form of surgery should be considered.
If effective, PRP would be a much better alternative to corticosteroid injections due to the lack of side effects. As with any invasive procedure, there always exists risks of infection, excessive bleeding and/or the build-up of scar tissue.
