Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon (the cords of tough
tissue that connect muscles to bones).

CAUSE

Tendonitis is most commonly caused by injury or overuse during
work or play. Less commonly it may be caused by an infection and it
may be associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout,
psoriatic arthritis (arthritis associated with psoriasis), thyroid
disease or diabetes.

Areas where Tendonitis commonly occurs are the shoulder,
elbow, tibia in the leg and the Achilles tendon in the heel.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain in the tendons when they are moved or touched.
• Pain when the joints near the tendon are moved.
• Swelling of tendon sheaths.
• Grating sensation when the joint is moved (caused by the tendon
  sheaths rubbing against the tendons).

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way
is this information intended to replace the advice of a registered
medical practitioner.

Diagnosis of Tendonitis will include a physical examination
and medical history and possibly x-rays (to rule out arthritis or a
bony abnormality) or blood tests (to rule out rheumatoid arthritis
or diabetes).

Treatment of Tendonitis may include:

• Rest and immobilization of the area with a splint or cast.
• Hot or cold packs.
• NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Possibly injections of corticosteroids and local anaesthetics
  into the tendon sheath.
• Chronic Tendonitis may require surgery to remove the inflamed
  areas.

PREVENTION

• Reducing or avoiding a particular activity to avoid injury or
  overuse may be useful.
• A change in training routine and/or equipment may be
  suggested.
• It is important to warm up and cool down before
  exercising. 
• Strengthening and/or range of motion exercises may also be
  suggested.
• If the Tendonitis affects the leg, it is important to wear the
  correct footwear, to run on softer surfaces and to avoid running up
  hills. If the Tendonitis is in the elbow and is caused by
  injury/overuse from playing tennis, check that your backhand
  technique is correct, use a less tightly strung racquet and play on
  slower surfaces.
• Correct positioning and posture during work or play will help
  to prevent injuries occurring.
• Splints and pads can be used to protect areas that have been
  affected by Tendonitis to prevent recurrence.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids helps to reduce inflammation and
  repair connective tissue and collagen after injury.
• Evening Primrose Oil contains gamm-linolenic acid (GLA) which
  is a building block for anti-inflammatory chemicals in the
  body.
• Vitamin A and vitamin E help to repair connective tissue and
  cells.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Sometimes a specially designed bandage or splint at night to
   provide support to the affected area of the body might be
   recommended. Your Pharmacy stocks a range of supports and bandages.
   Ask your Pharmacist to show you how to wear the type of support
   your Doctor may suggest.
2. Ask your Pharmacist about non-drug methods of pain relief.
   Cold/hot packs are available from your Pharmacy. 
3. Ask your Pharmacist about pain relieving and anti-inflammatory
   medication.
4. Fish oil and evening primrose oil have properties which may
   help to reduce inflammation associated with the injury. Ginger has
   demonstrated anti-inflammatory action and can be applied directly
   on the area as a juice or included in the diet.
    

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.