Tendinitis

The tendon is as vital as the muscles and bones that make up the body. This connective tissue mainly consists of collagen attaching the bones onto the muscles for locomotion and stability. Basically, it works to transmit and modulate forces, hence its ability to act like a spring. Although it is tough and fibrous to withstand tension, it can also be torn apart due to lack of elasticity thereby triggering tendinitis to develop. Such a medical condition is characterized by large scale acute injury that normally goes with inflamed tissues. Just like any case of tendinopathy (disease of the tendon), it requires prompt care and treatment.  

In general, tendinitis may arise from injury, overexertion, strain, repetitive motion, and sudden unfamiliar movement. These instances commonly require elastic tendons, enough to sustain the intensity of a certain physical activity. As the elasticity of tissues diminishes along with age, inflamed tendons frequently occur in adults especially at old age. In the same way, tendinitis may also appear as a complication of some other diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, gout, lupus, etc. In effect, treatment involves recovery from the major disease, as well.

Tendinitis appears in many different forms corresponding to the spot of injury. More often than not, it affects the upper body as well as the lower limbs being prone to constant motion. The rotator cuff tendinitis inflicts injury on the shoulders’ tendons that is common to athletes who usually move their arms over the head such as pitchers, swimmers, and tennis players. Moreover, bicipital tendinitis occurs on tissues running in front of the arm up to the shoulders usually caused by overuse of the tissue through time. There is also the Achilles tendinitis inflicted on the strongest and thickest tendon in the body prompted by too much leg exercises in the likes of jogging, jumping, and running. Other forms of this disease include calcific tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, peroneal tendinitis, etc.

There are various signs and symptoms involved in cases of tendinitis. Among others, pain is the most persistent indication of swollen tendons that may intensify gradually or instantly. Most likely, severe pain tends to manifest in the presence of calcium deposits. Another factor may be loss of motion or stiffness in the affected parts of the body, like the shoulders in which the condition may be called adhesive capsulitis. Crepitus described as the crackling sound produced by friction between some body parts may also be observed. Many other signs and symptoms are swelling, tenderness, warmth, and redness.

Inflammation of tendons can be prevented given the right cautions. Moderation in any exercise program is advised to avoid getting the tissues worn out. Regular stretching is also desirable to extend tendon connections to minimize the effects of pulling and traction. Intake of Vitamin C can fortify the tendons to resist common tension. In case the condition can no longer be prevented, there are treatment and remedies available. The body has its own way to facilitate natural recovery that goes along with ample rest. Should the pain be intolerable, corticosteroid injections and pain relievers will surely come handy. Physical therapy can also heal stiff muscles like frozen shoulders condition. If the injury happens to progress into a serious illness, surgery might be needed to fix the tissue problem.