Tendinitis can be painful and cause discomfort in performing day-to-day activities if left untreated for a long period of time. Many individuals who are physically more active, such as athletes and persons doing physically demanding jobs, are at a higher risk of tendinitis due to repetitive motion and overuse of muscles without proper rest.
If you are suffering from tendinitis and searching for the best orthopaedic doctor near me, then we have you covered. Know the types of tendinitis, symptoms, and the possible treatment from Dr. P. Madhu Reddy, a leading orthopaedic doctor in Hyderabad.
What is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis (also known as tendonitis) is an inflammation of the tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of flexible and strong connective tissues that are responsible for connecting the muscle to the bone. These are essential for moving limbs and act as a barrier to protect the muscles from injuries.
Tendinitis can develop anywhere in the human body, but most cases are reported in the shoulder, wrist, ankles, and elbows. The inflammation of these tendons may be acute, causing short-term discomfort or chronic, affecting the quality of everyday life due to excruciating pain and reduced movements.
Taking ample rest is the best way to treat tendinitis when your tendons are slightly inflamed. However, neglecting tendinitis for long periods of time can not only cause pain and discomfort, but may also lead to tearing of tendons requiring surgical treatment.
Types of Tendinitis and its Symptoms
Tendinitis can occur in any tendon present in the body, but it most commonly occurs around the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and knee areas. The following are the most common types of tendinitis:
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is caused by overuse of Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the human body located at the back of the heel connecting calf muscles to the heel. This is commonly caused by sports injuries, suddenly increased intensity in runners, and middle-aged people who run or play sports.
Achilles tendinitis can be simply treated with at-home care, including taking rest and reduced movement of the affected ankle. In rare cases, Achilles tendinitis can lead to rupturing of the tendon, requiring surgery. Symptoms include sore calf muscles, heel pain, swelling of the back of the heel, tenderness in the affected area, and difficulty in walking.
Patellar tendinitis (Jumper’s knee)
Patellar tendinitis is an injury to the tendon that connects the bottom of the kneecap to the top of the shinbone and is mainly responsible for allowing your bones to freely run, jump, and kick. Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendinitis mostly occurs in athletes whose sports involve frequently jumping, such as basketball and volleyball.
If you consult an orthopaedic doctor near me in Hyderabad for patellar tendinitis, then the doctor may recommend physiotherapy and stretching exercises under supervision. Symptoms of jumper’s knee include pain, weakness, swelling, and stiffness in the knee, and tenderness to even light touch below the kneecap.
Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow)
Tennis elbow is a condition caused by the overuse and damage of forearm muscles and tendons. Lateral epicondylitis is the swelling of tendons that are responsible for bending the wrist and fingers backwards away from the palm. Common among athletes, this condition is mainly caused by playing tennis or other racquet sports.
However, tennis players are not the only ones who suffer from a tennis below. This condition can affect painters, plumbers, as well as carpenters who regularly and repetitively move their forearms. Symptoms include shaky hands, sore forearms, tenderness of forearms, and painful movement.
Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow)
Similar to tennis elbow, this is a condition caused by overused forearm and wrist muscles. Golfer’s elbow is not limited to golf players but also affects athletes like tennis players and others who frequently use their wrists and clench their fingers. Medial epicondylitis affects the tendon which connects the forearm muscles to the bony structure on the inside of the elbow.
While ample rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and topical pain relief gels ease the pain, but if left untreated, the pain can extend to whole forearm and wrist and may require surgery. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the forearm, numb fingers, making it hard to clench a fist.
When is it Necessary to See an Orthopaedic Doctor Near Me?
Tendinitis is a commonly caused orthopaedic condition among individuals who physically strain their bodies and are involved in repetitive movements. If you are experiencing mild pain with a few symptoms, then rest and at-home care suggested by a trusted orthopaedic doctor is enough to bounce back.
However, if you feel painful tendons even after a few days or the pain worsens, causing difficulty in performing daily activities, then make an appointment with the best orthopaedic doctor, Dr P. Madhu Reddy, and discuss your medical concerns. Dr. Madhu Reddy brings a decade of experience and expertise in orthopaedic treatment. Visit us today!