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Tendon vs. ligament
Tendon vs. ligament

Tendonitis
Definition:
Inflammation of a tendon (the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone).
Alternative Names:
Calcific tendonitis; Bicipital tendonitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Tendonitis can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses some of its elasticity. It can also be seen in systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tendonitis can occur in any tendon, but some commonly affected sites are the shoulder, the wrist, the heel (Achilles tendon), and the elbow.
Symptoms:


Signs and tests:

Physical exam will show tenderness along the affected tendon and pain when the muscle to which the tendon is attached is used against resistance. There are specific tests for specific tendons. The tendon can be inflamed and boggy and the overlying skin may be warm and red.
Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Rest or immobilization of the affected tendons is helpful for recovery. This may be achieved using a splint, or a removable brace. The application of heat or cold to the affected area will reduce the pain and inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) help to relieve pain in addition to reducing inflammation. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can be very helpful in controlling pain and allowing physical therapy to start.

Rarely, surgery is needed to physically remove the inflammatory tissue from around the tendon.

After recovery, strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the affected tendon may prevent recurrence of the injury.
Expectations (prognosis):

Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If the injury is caused by overuse, a change in work habits may be indicated to prevent recurrence of the problem.
Complications:
  • recurrence of tendonitis
  • tendon rupture (remember Patrick Ewing's ruptured Achilles tendon)
  • (calcific tendonitis is a different process)
Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of tendonitis occur.
Prevention:
  • avoid repetitive motion and overuse of an extremity
  • warm up by exercising at a relaxed pace before engaging in vigorous activity
  • keep all your muscles strong and flexible
Review Date: 5/23/2001
Reviewed By: Benjamin D. Roye, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Orthopaedics, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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