Tendonitis
Tendonitis
is a condition in which the tendon, a fibrous chord
that attaches a muscle to a bone or a muscle to another
muscle, develops inflammation. Inflammation can occur
to the tendon itself or to the lining of the tendon
called the tendonous sheath, although usually the inflammation
occurs in both areas simultaneously.
Symptoms
Tendons
are usually very painful and tender to the touch, and
pain also occurs as a result of movement of the involved
joint. Often the joint motion becomes restricted because
of the pain and the abnormal changes to the tendons
themselves that affect movement. The pain can become
very severe depending on the degree of inflammation,
and can radiate to the joints above and below affected
joint. In addition, the inflamed tendons can have a
"creaking" quality due to "friction rubs" from the inflammation
itself, and may become swollen. Bone enlargement around
the affected tendon can also occur.
Types
There
are two types of tendonitis inflammation of the tendons
themselves, and inflammation of the tendonous sheath
that lines the tendons.
Causes
Tendonitis
can be caused by decreased circulation to the tendons
due to repeated or chronic trauma. The most common cause
of tendonitis is repeated or extreme trauma in the form
of excessive exercise and/or strain. Certain diseases
can also cause tendonitisi, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
autoimmune disorders, gout, Reiter's syndrome (an inflammatory
syndrome), excessively high blood cholesterol levels,
and sexually transmitted diseases.
Self-Care
Tips
Treatment
of tendonitis needs to include immobilization of the
affected area, compresses with cold or heat, oral and
topical pain relievers, and therapeutic exercise, which
should increase as joint becomes better and is able
to tolerate increased movement.
Diet
Avoidance of the members of the nightshade
family of plants (white potato, tomato, eggplant, all
peppers except black, and tobacco); if restricted for
a long time, over years, this may be effective. Assessment
and treatment of food allergies is imperative, as inflammation
may be aggravated by food allergies in many people.
Flower
Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream applied topically over
the affected areas can soothe pain and speed healing.
Herbs
Combine equal parts of the tinctures of willow
bark, cramp bark, and prickly ash and take one teaspoon
of this mixture three times a day.
Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies include Aconite,
Thuja, Ruta grav., Belladonna, and Apis mel.
Hydrotherapy
Apply alternating hot and cold packs to the
affected area one to three times daily Epsom salt baths
can also be helpful.
Nutritional
Supplementation
Useful nutrients for tendonitis include vitamin B complex,
vitamin B6, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E,
bromelain, essential fatty acids, cod liver oil, calcium,
magnesium, manganese, selenium, and D-phenylalanine.
Topical
Treatment
Massage the affected areas with a mixture of salt and
vinegar, then wrap with several layers of gauze or muslin
soaked with this mixture.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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