Causes of Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an umbrella term used by health professionals to describe inflammation, irritation or swelling in one or more of the body's tendons. Often considered a sports injury, tendinitis does not only affect athletes. Anyone who repeatedly uses a part of his/her body may develop tendinitis. In addition, the normal aging process leads to reduced tendon elasticity, which leaves the tendons more vulnerable to irritation or inflammation. Although tendinitis often hurts a lot, it is rarely serious and usually responds well to home-care remedies.
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Types
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Tendinitis is classified according to your injured tendon's location. Common forms of tendinitis include rotator cuff tendinitis, De Quervain's, flexor digital and Achilles tendinitis. Your risk for a specific type of tendinitis depends on which tendons you use most. If you use your shoulders often (like a swimmer or badminton player), you may suffer from rotator cuff tendinitis. Sprinters, long-jumpers, ballerinas or other people who often use the Achilles tendon are at risk for Achilles tendinitis. Yet not all tendinitis results from physical activity. De Quervain's (tendinitis of the wrist) often occurs due to prolonged writing or even intense video game playing.
Other Causes
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Not every case of tendinitis results from overextension or repetitive tendon movement. Tendon pain and/or damage may result from underlying conditions such as diabetes, gout or rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from one of these conditions, talk to your doctor about the risks of tendinitis and what steps you should take to minimize your pain. Some people with these systemic diseases will have bouts of tendinitis, follow by pain-free periods. Know what triggers your body and take the necessary precautions to reduce the severity of your tendinitis.
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Risks
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Tendinitis will usually respond well to rest, icing and anti-inflammatory medication. If you believe you have tendinitis, take care of your body and do not attempt to play or work through the pain. Over time, the inflammation may increase and you risk rupturing your tendon. If your tendons do not feel better after home care, visit an orthopedic doctor or surgeon to ensure that you do not have a more serious condition.
Prevention/Solution
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The easiest way to avoid tendinitis at a young age is to not overexert yourself while playing sports, lifting or engaging in physically demanding activities. This does not mean you shouldn't have fun. Often, tendinitis results from improper form during activities. For instance, if you shoot a basketball improperly for weeks on end, you may add unneeded pressure to your tendons until they swell and you develop tendinitis.
As you get older and your tendons' elasticity naturally decreases, take extra care as you play sports or use your tendons for other purposes. Some people will still develop tendinitis no matter how careful they are with their tendons. If you begin to feel tendon pain, rest for a few days and then try your activity again.
Further Complications
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If you rest your tendons and follow your doctor's advice, your tendons will most likely return to full functioning within a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the tendon inflammation. Even after you feel better, you must stay aware of your body. Tendinitis often returns since your post-tendinitis tendons may not have the strength they once had. Pay attention to pain symptoms and promptly rest your tendons if any signs of tendinitis return.
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