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Treatment for tendonitis can be done only by resting the affected joint and applying an ice pack for about 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day. However, if it does not improve after a few days, it is important to consult the orthopedist so that a complete evaluation can be made and the use of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs and immobilization, for example, can be indicated.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to undergo physical therapy, which can use resources such as ultrasound, exercise or massage to treat tendon inflammation. In the most severe cases, when there is no improvement with the indicated treatment and physiotherapy or when there is a tendon rupture, surgery may be recommended.
1. Home treatment
A good home treatment for tendonitis is ice packs, as they help to relieve pain and inflammation. To make ice packs, simply wrap some ice cubes in a thin towel, or diaper, making a bundle and let it rest on top of the affected area for up to 20 minutes in a row.
Initially, this may cause some discomfort, but this should go away in approximately 5 minutes. This procedure can be performed about 3 to 4 times a day in the initial phase of treatment, in the first days, and 1 or 2 times a day when the symptoms subside. Check out some home remedy options for tendonitis.
2. Remedies
The orthopedic doctor may prescribe the use of medications to take in the form of pills or to pass the site of pain, in the form of a cream, ointment or gel, which should be used according to the doctor's recommendation and which are intended to relieve pain and inflammation.
Some of the drugs that can be indicated are Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Paracetamol, Cataflan, Voltaren and Calminex, for example. Anti-inflammatory tablets should not be used for more than 10 days and always before taking each tablet it is also important to take a gastric protector such as Ranitidine or Omeprazole to protect the stomach walls, thus preventing gastritis caused by the drugs.
In the case of ointments, creams or gels, the doctor may recommend the application 3 to 4 times a day at the exact location of the pain, with a light massage, until the skin completely absorbs the product.
3. Immobilization
It is not always indicated to immobilize the affected limb, as in most cases it is enough to rest and avoid to force the joint too much. However, immobilization may be necessary in some situations, such as:
- There is increased sensitivity at the site;
- The pain happens only during the performance of an activity, interfering with work, for example;
- There is swelling on the spot;
- Muscle weakness.
Thus, using a splint to immobilize the aching joint can help to slow movements, helping to relieve pain and inflammation. However, the use of the splint for a long time or often can weaken the muscles, which contributes to worsening tendonitis.
4. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment for tendonitis can be done using resources such as ultrasound or ice packs, massages and stretching and muscle strengthening exercises to relieve pain and inflammation of the affected tendon and to maintain the movement and strength of the affected muscles.
Ultrasound can be performed using the gel appropriate for this equipment or with a mixture of this gel with the anti-inflammatory gel such as Voltaren. However, not all ointments can be used in this way, because they can prevent the penetration of ultrasound waves having no effect.
Physiotherapy sessions can be held daily, 5 times a week, or according to the person's availability. However, the closer one session is to the other, the better the results will be due to the cumulative effect.
5. Surgery for tendonitis
Surgery for tendonitis is indicated when the other treatments have not been effective or when there is a tendon rupture or deposition of calcium crystals in the site, then it is necessary to scrape or sew the tendon after it has been ruptured.
Surgery is relatively simple and recovery does not take long. The person should be around 5 to 8 days with a splint after surgery and after the doctor's release, the person can go back to do a few more physiotherapy sessions to recover completely.
How to prevent tendonitis from coming back
To prevent tendonitis from returning, it is important to find out what caused it. The causes vary between repetitive movements during the day, such as typing on the computer keyboard or cell phone several times a day, and holding a very heavy bag for more than 20 minutes, for example. This type of excessive effort at one time or the constant injuries caused by repetitive movements, lead to inflammation of the tendon and, consequently, pain located near the joint.
So, to cure tendonitis and not allow it to reappear, one should avoid these situations, taking breaks from work and avoiding excessive physical activity, for example. For those who work seated, good posture at work is also important to prevent muscle contractures and overloads in the joints.
Check out more tips to relieve tendonitis in the following video: