Tendinitis

Tendinitis can develop over time from repetitive motions or sports-related injuries. Our specialists develop a treatment plan to help you regain strength, improve mobility, and get back to the things you love. Consult with your doctor for a referral or request an appointment so you can achieve a pain-free lifestyle.

What Is tendinitis?

Your tendons play a crucial role in your musculoskeletal structure by attaching your muscles to your bones to help with mobility. However, when they are irritated or injured, they can cause pain and discomfort. The most common symptoms of tendinitis include:

A dull, nagging pain
Synovial membrane for protection, and synovial fluid for lubrication
Ligaments that connect and support the bones
Tendons, which attach your muscles to the bones
Bursae, which provide cushioning

What causes tendinitis?

Tendinitis is rarely caused by an acute injury. The condition usually develops from repetitive stress on the tendon, causing tiny tears in the tissue. However, sports activity increases your chances of developing tendinitis.

Which tendons are prone to tendinitis?

Any tendon in your body can become irritated or swell up, usually in the tendons you use most frequently. The most common forms of tendinitis include:

How is tendinitis treated?

Rest is the most important step to improvement. Ice the area and take anti-inflammatory medications to keep the swelling down. If your pain doesn’t improve, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce your pain and inflammation. However, if your tendinitis is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. Rest is the most important step to recovery. Most doctors recommend following the RICE principle:

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain, but consult your doctor before using any medication. If your pain persists, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, or a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be an option. Contact us to schedule your consultation, or talk with your primary care provider for a referral.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We want you to have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for your health. Learn more about our orthopedic healthcare services by reading through our Frequently Asked Questions.

Is surgery the right course of action for me?

Surgery depends on the severity of injury. Consult with one of our specialists to determine if it’s a route you should take. Your doctor will evaluate your entire injury through comprehensive testing before deciding if surgery is right for you.

When is the best time to have surgery?

Talk with your doctor to schedule a date that works best for you. Schedule flexibility depends on your availability, the severity of your injury and surgeon schedules.

How can I ensure a quick recovery?

We recommend taking it easy during your recovery time. Your doctor will provide you with a thorough post-operative care plan to ensure a speedy recovery.

How long will it take for me to return to normal activities?

Your recovery depends on where your injury is located. Consult with your doctor before starting. Our practitioners will let you know which times are best for your recovery.

Will I be able to do everything I used to do before surgery?

Our goal is for you to return to your normal activities without pain or discomfort! Consult with your doctor about your recovery timeline and how soon you can return to work or sports.

Will I need a referral?

Most insurance providers require a referral from your doctor before covering your care. We recommend scheduling an appointment your doctor before scheduling an appointment with us.

Do you accept my insurance?

We accept several insurance programs from:

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
FirstCare (Part of Baylor Scott & White Health)
GEHA
HealthNet
HealthSmart
Humana
Medicare
MetLife
PHCS
TeamChoice
Most Worker’s Compensation plans

Consult with our office to ensure your coverage.