Tendinitis Essay

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Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. A tendon is a strong cord of tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendinitis can affect any tendon, but it most commonly affects the shoulder tendon (rotator cuff), ankle tendon (Achilles tendon), elbow tendon (triceps tendon), or one of the tendons in the wrist.

CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Overusing a tendon or muscle. This is common.
• Age-related wear and tear.
• Injury.
• Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
• Certain medicines.

RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in people who do activities that involve repetitive motions.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition may include:
• Pain.
• Tenderness.
• Mild swelling.

DIAGNOSIS
This
This is known as RICE therapy. Treatment may also include:
• Medicines to help reduce inflammation or to help reduce pain.
• Exercises or physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the tendon.
• A brace or splint.
• Surgery (rare).

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If You Have a Splint or Brace:
• Wear the splint or brace as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
• Loosen splint or brace if your fingers or toes tingle, become numb, or turn cold and blue.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you can take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths for bathing.
• Do not let your splint or brace get wet if it is not waterproof.
○ If your splint or brace is not waterproof, cover it with a watertight plastic bag when you take a bath or a shower.
• Keep the splint or brace clean.
Managing Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling
• If directed, apply ice to the affected area.
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the
• If directed, apply heat to the affected area as often as told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
○ Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
○ Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
• Move your fingers or toes often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• If directed, elevate the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
Driving
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Ask your health care provider when it is safe to drive if you have a splint or brace on any part of your arm or leg.
Activity
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for

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