Tendonitis is a condition where the tendons; the fibrous tissue which connect your muscles to the skeletal system are inflamed. If you’ve ever experienced tendonitis yourself, then you know that tendonitis symptoms can include pain which ranges from mild to severe. The factors which affect the severity of this pain include how much strain is placed on the tendon, whether or not you’re adequately hydrated and others, including unconscious movement of the muscles attached to the inflamed tendon. If you’re experiencing pain which you are unsure but suspect may be tendonitis symptoms, this article is for you – read on for a few of the characteristic signs of tendonitis.

Restricted Movement

You may find that a particular area of the body is difficult to move, for instance if you have tendonitis in your bicep you may not be able to bend you arm fully. Alternatively, in the case of shoulder tendonitis you may not be able to extend your arm over your head.

Pain While Moving

In the early stages of tendonitis, symptoms such as pain may happen only when strain is placed on the inflamed tendon. Your tendons can be strained by any repetitive motion or strenuous activity including sports or physically demanding work.

Pain

As tendonitis progresses you may find the affected area is painful more consistently, even when not in use. The area might become slightly swollen and even painful to the touch.

Burning Sensations

A burning sensation in the area is another common symptom. This is more common after you’ve been doing physical activities or late at night. To prevent tendonitis symptoms such as this burning sensation, the best thing to do is simply to rest this tendon.

Other Considerations

One thing which it is important to remember is that other conditions including bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis have symptoms which are similar to tendonitis symptoms. If you suspect that the pain you’re experiencing might be tendonitis, you should see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

As with any sort of injury, prevention is the best treatment of all. Preventing tendonitis symptoms from affecting you starts with knowing how this condition can be caused. As the most common cause of this problem is the strain caused by repetitive motion, it is important to refrain from overdoing it. Tennis elbow and other common sports injuries are actually forms of tendonitis, so athletes should be especially vigilant and avoid repetitive motions which can lead to tendonitis.

Prevention-

Use ergonomic sports equipment and office furniture

* Stay healthy

Know your limits and don’t overdo things

Don’t strain your joints by trying to stretch well past your range of motion

Do not place too much weight on any single joint

Treatment

Use cold or heat to reduce inflammation

* Splints or wraps

Anti-inflammatory medications

Ultrasound therapy

* Physical therapy to strengthen the area

Cortisone injections

Surgery

You should always treat tendonitis symptoms with the advice of your physician for appropriate treatment. As mentioned above, other conditions have symptoms that can be mistaken for tendonitis, so it is important to see your doctor and have the condition diagnosed before you take any action to treat your condition.

Tom Nicholson has spent years helping carpal tunnel sufferers. You can click here to learn more about having asore wrist.