Tendonitis Research
Tendonitis is a painful inflammation of joints. When the protective covering of the joint is also inflamed it is the condition of tenosynovitis. Tendons are strong bands of fibrous cords that attach the bones to muscles. The protective covers are around some of the tendons. People of advancing age are the most susceptible to tendinitis because of wear and tear on the joints, but young people can also be affected who place a strain on the joints from weight lifting, sprinting or duties connected with work that requires continuous repetition of the same task. The most common areas subject to tendinitis are hands, the biceps (in the upper areas) and the Achilles tendon. Tendon protective covers may also have a secondary disease like gout, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of tendonitis are pain from movement of the joints near the affected tendon; sometimes even light movement can cause severe pain. The protective covering of the tendons may be swollen from the retention of fluid and inflammation. If they remain dry it may cause a friction connection which can be felt and with a stethoscope may be heard.
There are many options for treatment of tendonitis. Immobilization of the joint with splints or a cast will eliminate the pain from movement. Rest, along with non-steroidal drugs which include ibuprofen and aspirin, will help relieve the pain, but should be taken only for a few days under a doctor's care. Also under a doctor's care, corticosteroids and anesthetics may be injected into the infection. If not chronic, the symptoms will subside in a week or two but may flare up every two or three weeks for two to three months. A healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition will help recovery and minimize recurrence. Chronic tendinitis when afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis - an auto immune condition - may require surgery to remove calcium deposits from this long time condition.
