Tendonitis

If you have pain in your elbow, shoulder, or knee, and it seems to worsen with movement, you may have tendonitis: a common, but potentially dangerous, condition. Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy’s (M.O.S.T) team of board-certified physicians can determine if you have tendinitis, treat it, and prevent further cases. If you live in or near Potomac, Maryland and need a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist, call the office today or schedule your initial consultation online. “M.O.S.T” serves the communities of Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Washington DC, Chevy Chase, Frederick, Poolesville, McLean, VA, Dulles, VA, and Fairfax, VA.

Tendonitis Q & A

Tendonitis occurs when your tendons, the thick fibrous cords that connect your muscles to your bones, become inflamed. This inflammation can cause pain and tenderness around the joint. Although tendonitis can develop in any tendon, it’s usually in your most-used joints: your shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

In most cases, tendonitis results from overuse. The repetitive motions in some jobs and sports irritate and inflame the tendons. Because the condition is often sports-related, it’s often called:

Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Pitcher’s shoulder
Swimmer’s shoulder
Jumper’s knee

The primary symptom of tendonitis occurs where the tendon attaches to your bone. Most often there’s a dull, achy pain in or around your joint. This pain may get worse when you move. The area may also feel tender or sore. It may swell.

At Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy, your doctor determines the best treatment for your tendonitis. Depending on its cause and severity, their first recommendation may be an at-home RICE treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

If you’re not seeing improvement within a few days, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help strengthen and stabilize the joint. They may also recommend corticosteroid injections. If your tendonitis is severe, your tendon may rupture, which requires surgical correction.

Once your tendonitis heals, your doctor may discuss your sporting technique. With a few tweaks, they can improve your technique to put less strain and stress on your tendons.

To help you prevent future cases of tendonitis, the team at Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy recommends you avoid putting extra stress on your joints, especially for long periods of time. They also suggest cross-training to vary your physical activity and reduce your risk of inflammation.

Stretching before and after physical activity warms up your muscles and tendons, making injury less likely. Stretching can also improve your joint’s range of motion.

If you have pain in or around your joint that’s not improving at home, seek the Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy team’s professional help. Call the office today or schedule your initial consultation online.