Biceps Tendonitis: Facts and Treatment
January 13th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Biceps Tendonitis
You use your arms for everything. From eating to writing, to lifting weights, workouts, your arms are one of the most essential and powerful tools on your body.
That is why it is important to take care of them while they are still working. If you are experiencing biceps tendonitis, it is important to get it treated as soon as you can, in order to prevent any long-term damage.
A licensed physician will offer the best results for your physical health.Below are some facts behind bicep tendonitis, and what you can do to treat it if you are diagnosed.
Background on Biceps Tendonitis
The thick, fibrous tissue that connects your muscle to bone is known as a tendon. This part of the body transmits force brought on by the muscle to the bone.
In your bicep, the bicep tendon is a long tissue that stretches from your ball and socket joint in the front of the shoulder in your upper arm. When biceps tendonitis occurs it can be extremely painful.
This can happen with sports athletes, especially a baseball pitcher. You have tendon inflammation, the tendon is tender, and irritation that is going to be associated with moving or trying to raise your arm.
This is usually associated due to the bicep being overworked; whether a strain that has built up over the years, or maybe lifting something heavy, exercises, that injured the tendon.
As people get older, their tendons become less elastic, thus become prone to tearing and injury, sometimes bursitis. You end up losing the range of motion in the arm.
Most common symptoms with bicep tendonitis
When irritation problems occurs in biceps tendinitis, redness, swelling and pain are the main symptoms that develop. It may be difficult to move or bend this part of the body due to an impingement.
At that point, it is essential to pay a visit to your doctor, to see how severe the tendonitis is, and what he or she would suggest treating it. If it is a severe tear in the bicep muscle, surgery may be required.
You may have also have had a tendon rupture, which again surgery may be required.
Types of Treatment and How to Treat
Most doctors would suggest that the best way to treat mild biceps tendonitis is to rest your arm or arms. This will help to prevent further injury as well as expedite healing.
Within a few weeks, with rest and the application of ice packs, your biceps tendonitis can be completely healed.
If this doesn’t work, then ask your doctor about cortisone injections, a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that is injected into the bicep to help to ease the pain and healing of tendonitis.
Another option you doctor may recommend is for the patient to have some form of rehabilitation therapy. This has proved to show great promise if done correctly. This helps the bicep tendonitis condition and helps the tendon to get its strength back and help to repair the problem.
Or, if the tendonitis is severe enough, such as a tendon ruptures, your physician may recommend surgery to realign the tendon in the upper arm.
Whatever the treatment may be, it is important to not neglect your biceps tendonitis. You need your arms for daily living practices, so it is vital to take care of any ailment you may experience.
Thumbnail Sketch Of Thumb Tendonitis
January 13th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Thumb Tendonitis
The thumb found on the human hand plays a very important role in providing full functionality of the hand. Because of the thumb the ability to pick up or grasp items is facilitated.
Often, however, we overlook the wonderments of these everyday functions until something happens to disrupt these simple abilities. One of those disruptions is through a condition called thumb tendonitis.
What Is Thumb Tendonitis?
Thumb tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that runs along the side of the wrist. That particular side of the wrist corresponds to the location side of the thumb. A tendon is a thick fibrous elastic-like band that connects the muscle to the bone.
The symptoms of thumb tendonitis include swelling, tenderness and pain. These symptoms are felt along the same side of the wrist where the thumb is located. In addition, because of the tenderness, the ability to fully utilize the thumb is hampered. These actions include the ability to grasp, make a fist and rotating the wrist.
Thumb tendonitis can be caused by a number of factors. Generally, thumb tendonitis is caused by performing hand movements that are not natural or awkward actions that are done repetitiously over a period of time.
Indications Of Thumb Tendonitis
Thumb tendonitis is demonstrated when the sufferer experiences pain over the wrist area that is in closest proximity to the thumb. This pain may come on gradually over a period of time or its onset may appear in dramatic fashion. In addition, the pain can generate up the arm and extend into the forearm. Also, the pain increases proportionately when the hand and thumb are used extensively.
Thumb tendonitis is also characterized by edema in the wrist area. Also, there may be the development of a cyst in that particular part of the wrist. The cyst is generally comprised of accumulated fluid. Another symptom may be the hearing of a snapping noise. This noise maybe similar to the snapping sounds of a rubber band.
Thumb Tendonitis Treatment
Treatment for thumb tendonitis is facilitated by addressing the symptoms. Therefore, application of ice to the surface of the wrist on the thumb side is indicated. Also, to relieve the pain a moderate pain relieving medication may assist the sufferer. In addition, an anti-inflammatory medicine can be taken. This inflammatory medicine can be injected directly into the area of focus or, as a pill, can be taken by mouth.
Another practical method of treatment is to immobilize the affected area and allow for healing to take place. This immobilization can be accomplished by simply splinting the thumb area in order to prohibit activity.
In severe cases, corrective surgery may be indicated.
Dealing with Arm Tendonitis
January 8th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
arm tendonitis
Many people suffer from pain that can be anywhere from their shoulder all the way down to their wrist. It is possible they injured their arm suddenly by picking up a heavy object or it happened slowly over time. Arm tendonitis is a result of stress to the tendons in the arm or shoulder area.
These tendons become inflamed and sore, making it difficult to do their day to day activities. Because of continued use of the arm, people with arm tendonitis tend to heal slowly. Often when people begin an exercise program they do not realize that the lack of muscle activity has caused their muscles and tendons to stiffen. Without the proper stretching to loosen up the tendons, arm tendonitis can be the result. Symptoms can include pain and swelling, stiffness after exercise, and pain if you try to lie on your side at night.
The Goal to Increase Arm Strength
If the arm is painful and swollen, continued use will only make the condition worse. A trained therapist or personal coach can help you devise a program which will increase your arm strength. Initially, ice and pain relievers may help with the pain but the long term goal should be to slowly increase muscle and tendon strength. If there is a lot of inflammation and swelling you might first want to take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation. This will allow for greater comfort when beginning a strength training program. Sometimes this arm tendonitis can have an effect on other parts of the body and in this case could cause even some wrist tendonitis.
Arm tendonitis tends to be recurring so a sensible approach to prevention is a wise choice. If you are starting on a strength training program it is very important for you to warm up with stretches before each session. Begin your training program slowly, allowing your tendons and muscles time to adjust to the new activity. If you feel that your arm is becoming fatigued you might want to give it a rest. Don’t try pushing strength training too fast. If possible, limit your arm activity until the tendon has time to start healing. Wearing a sling may be helpful in supporting your arm’s weight and providing immobility.
Arm Tendonitis and Surgery
There are times when arm tendonitis results in tendon rupture or damage. If this is the case surgery may be your only option. The surgeon can make a small incision and make the necessary repair to the tendon. After a period of recovery time you will then have to begin a program to rehabilitate your arm. This may take some time but if done properly you will regain the use and mobility of your arm. The long-term goal will be to avoid future actions that will cause a recurrence of arm tendonitis.
Ankle Tendonitis Cures and Treatments
January 7th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Ankle Tendonitis
Your feet support your entire body, whether you realize it or not. That is why, it is very important that you take care of them while you can. If you begin to experience pain and/or swelling within the ankle region of the foot, it may be a symptom of ankle tendonitis, and should be address right away.
Here are some facts and background on ankle tendonitis, and what you can do to help prevent and treat this common ailment:
When you use your ankles everyday, especially when doing rigorous training, you may eventually experience ankle tendonitis, if you are not careful. Tendonitis is basically the inflammation of the tendon, the fibrous tissue that connects that muscle to the bone. This can occur due to the tendon being overworked, or too much force being applied to it.
The main symptoms of ankle tendonitis are pain, swelling and the swollen area being tender to the touch. You may find it difficult to move your ankle without experiencing a shooting pain from your ankle up towards your calf. Achilles tendonitis, which is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is a common form of ankle tendonitis, which occurs mostly with runners and those who are on their feet quite a bit.
Ankle Tendonitis Treatment
The best care for ankle tendonitis usually involves home treatment. If it is not severe, then rest and apply ice packs in 15 minute intervals will help quite a bit. Also, an ankle wrap can help when you have to be on your feet, as it will support the ankle area and prevent further injury.
While most tendonitis can be fixed with a cortisone injection, physicians do not recommend an injection in the foot area, as the particular tendon in the foot is susceptible to rupture. Inserting a cushion or other types of heel support can also help to support the heel and help to keep your exercise pain free.
In the end, your feet are a very important part of your body, and it is vital for you to prevent and treat any injury to them, including ankle tendonitis, and to ensure that no permanent damage will occur. Consult with an orthopedic doctor, or physical therapist for tips and suggestions on how to property maneuver your feet during physical activity to prevent injury from reoccurring. Taking care of your body is important to your physical health. Always try and avoid over doing it when your ankle feels weak.
Don’t let this develop in achilles tendonitis
Achilles Chronic Tendonitis – Be Careful it Can Hurt
January 7th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Achilles chronic tendonitis
It is known through Greek Mythology, that Achilles could only be hurt at his heels. That has seemed to have been passed down to us and our bodies.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
This tendon is the one that will connect the calf muscle to the heel bone. This tendon is the biggest tendon we have in the body. It can withstand forces of more than thousand pounds. The bad part is it has the potential of rupturing. Achilles chronic tendonitis can occur in both amateur and professional athletes a like. Achilles chronic tendonitis can happen due to over use and can become inflamed and quite sore.
Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
How do we develop Achilles chronic tendonitis and what are the symptoms? Achilles chronic tendonitis can happen when:
Increased speed in running
Hill climbing or stair climbing during training
Trauma due to sudden or hard contraction of the calf muscles
Starting to early after a layoff
Lack of flexibility of the calf muscle itself
Achilles chronic tendonitis symptoms can be slight pain after you exercise or run. There also can be just sluggishness in the legs themselves. Achilles chronic tendonitis symptom can also be a localized pain that can be quite severe. There can be tenderness during the day especially in the morning. Achilles tendonitis symptom can also take the form of stiffness in the calf muscle that dissipates after the muscle gets warmed up. Another symptom may be some localized swelling to the calf.
Achilles tendonitis symptom can seem like a partial tendon tear or heel bursitis which can become very painful. If you have any or some of these symptoms you should check with an orthopedic surgeon to properly diagnose the condition. Make sure you watch out for ankle tendonitis, learn what to look for.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Achilles tendonitis treatment depends on how bad the injury is. The first thing that you will want to do is rest. This can be completely removing yourself from exercise or running for a week or more. Start to take some anti-inflammatory medications to relieve the swelling and this is likely to relieve some of the pain. Try to make sure that these drugs are non-steroidal. Another Achilles tendonitis treatment is the use of orthoses. This device will help support the Achilles muscle and will relieve the stress of the tendon.
The final stage of Achilles tendonitis treatment is surgery. This is the last resort and becomes necessary when the friction between the tendon and it covering sheath thickens and makes the sheath fibrous.
Achilles Chronic Tendonitis Prevention
A person can take some steps to prevent Achilles chronic tendonitis symptoms by:
Choosing the correct running shoes
Warming up prior to exercise
Stretching and walking prior to running
Focus on stretching the calf muscle
Strengthen the calf muscle
Avoid unaccustomed strenuous hill running or sprinting.
With the proper care, Achilles chronic tendonitis symptoms can be avoided and prevented.
Patella Tendonitis: A Painful Condition To Overcome
January 6th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
patella tendonitis
Tendonitis is a painful condition in which the joints and tendons begin to swell and become red or inflamed. This can occur in many different parts of the body, mostly areas that are often in use and sometimes even overused or strained.
Wrists, shoulders, knees and other parts are often the most commonly affected areas with which doctors see patients directly. Yet, another type of tendonitis can also have a painful and debilitating effect; patella tendonitis. This form of tendonitis affects the patella, which is where the shin and the knee bone connect.
This condition is often referred to as “Jumper’s Knee” as well, because it often occurs with sports-related injuries such as basketball. With proper care, patella tendonitis can be treated and help can be readily available to alleviate pain and symptoms. Atheletes also can develop achilles chronic tendonitis.
What Can I Do To Treat Patella Tendonitis?
The first treatment for patella tendonitis sounds too simple to be true. It is simply rest. The knee needs a rest from strained and stressful activity, such as jumping or running.
If you have been used to doing these things daily, you must stop for now in order for the inflammation to be reduced and heal. Rest is so important, yet many feel that they simply don’t have time to rest, so they continue to go on like before, living with the pain until it becomes unbearable.
At that time, other stronger methods of treatment must be employed, such as NSAIDS, which can help reduce pain and inflammation as well.
Stretching exercises are very good to help recover from patella tendonitis and should be used regularly to help prevent further injuries down the road. Hamstrings, calves and quadriceps can be stretched daily to help relax the legs and joints.
Physical therapy may be necessary, depending on the severity of the patella tendonitis. Creams and salves can work wonders for relieving the pain and symptoms of this condition as well. Ice packs are often used as well to help with short-term symptoms such as swelling.
Over the longer term, addressing the inflammatory issue is important with adjusting one’s diet and getting proper rest and exercise to maintain optimal health. While over-the-counter remedies can be helpful in the short term, they are not a good choice for long periods of time.
More natural remedies such as increasing calcium and magnesium intake are a good way to treat patella tendonitis over the longer term.
