How Does Tendinitis Develop?
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Achilles tendon
A tendon is a flexible band of fibrous tissue which connects muscle to bone. The skeletal muscles contract and pull on bones to cause movement such as walking, jumping and running. Tendons receive the full force of this motion and normally glide easily and smoothly. Tendons range from small such as in the fingers to large such as the Achilles tendon in the heel of the foot.
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Tendonitis of the Achilles tendon
If a tendon becomes inflamed or swollen this is called tendinitis. The most common reason tendinitis develops is from overuse. When beginning a new exercise regimen or increasing the normal level of exercise or activity muscles are performing at a higher level than the tendon is used to. This, in turn, can cause inflammation and irritation leading to pain with any movement in that particular area. Tendinitis can develop in the fingers as well from things like excessive typing. The most common area for tendinitis to develop is the the heel of the foot. Inflammation commonly occurs in the Achilles tendon because of the force exerted on the tendon due to walking and running.
Age-related tendinitis is common as the tendons are not as flexible or stretchable as a person gets older. They do not glide as easily and lose elasticity.
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Diagnosing tendinitis is done through a physical exam which may or may not include an x-ray of the painful area. Three symptoms that indicate tendinitis are tenderness directly over the tendon, pain with movement in that area and swelling of the tendon.
Treatment consists of resting and taking a break from activities or exercises that put too much strain on the tendon, splinting or bracing the area, applying ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation and conservative use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen which helps with pain and swelling. In severe cases where the other treatments do not help cortisone injections may be used to help bring down the swelling and inflammation. These injections are not typically used for injury of the Achilles tendon because of risking further damage.
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