WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Tendinitis (ten-din-I-tis) is a swelling and irritation
of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. It may
occur in the shoulder, elbow, heel, or hamstring (leg muscle).
With treatment, you should be well in about 6
weeks.
Causes
The problem can be caused by many
things, including injury, over-exercising, poor posture, and
certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and
lupus.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll have pain, tenderness, and
swelling around the affected tendon. You may also notice
weakness in this location.
Care
Follow the directions listed
below.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Use a sling or splint for a few days until the pain
decreases.
-
Apply ice to the injury for 10 to 20 minutes each
hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic
bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your
skin.
-
After the first day or two, you may apply heat to the
injury to help relieve pain. Use a warm heating pad,
whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 10 to 20 minutes
every hour for 48 hours.
-
You may use nonprescription medications such as
ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the
pain.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
The pain and swelling increase.
-
You develop new, unexplained
symptoms.
-
You develop a high temperature.
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