How to Run With Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bone. Tendons allow for movement of the joints throughout the body. During exercise, microscopic tears occur in the tissue; the body naturally repairs these tears. However, if the body cannot repair the tears as quickly as they are being made, inflammation occurs. Tendonitis can occur in several places throughout the body. Learn how to recognize, treat, prevent and ultimately run with tendonitis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ice pack Anti-inflammatory medicines (see "Warning" section)

Treating tendonitis

1. Recognize a potential injury. Tendonitis is characterized by a burning, tingling or shooting pain at the site of inflammation in the affected tendon. Avoid "running through the pain." In addition to pain, inflammation can also be accompanied by swelling and redness.

2. Apply ice to the affected area at the first sign of pain. You can ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes every four to six hours for three to five days.

3. Take anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These medicines will help reduce the swelling caused by inflammation. (See "Warnings" section.)

4. Refrain from running until you can at least walk without pain. Rest is really the best way to treat tendonitis, as it allows the tissue to repair the tears.

5. Try nonrunning activities during your resting phase. Do not aggravate the affected area. Swimming is a great way to stay fit while treating tendonitis.

6. Should the pain persist once you return to running, see a health care provider, such as a physical therapist or sports medicine physician, for further treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Ways to prevent tendonitis include getting fit properly for running shoes, wearing inserts or orthotics, warming up properly before each run, cooling down properly after each run, stretching after a run and performing strengthening exercises.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines can often mask the pain of an injury. Runners who take these medicines before a run most likely will not feel the pain and will not stop before the injury becomes serious.

References

• Tendonitis Information from the Mayo Clinic
• Web MD Repetitive Motion Injury Information
• Dr. Pribut's Running Injuries Page

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