Tendonitis Specialists

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when your tendons become irritated and inflamed. Tendonitis causes pain, swelling, and tenderness to the affected area. There are a number of different types of tendonitis, including tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and jumper’s knee. 

Tendonitis is most often caused by repetitive movements that put stress on your tendons. Over time, this stress irritates your tendons, resulting in painful inflammation. 

What is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?

Rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common cause of shoulder pain, affecting the tendons that support the movement of your shoulder joint. 

Rotator cuff tendonitis can happen as a result of a sports injury or gradual wear-and-tear over time. Rotator cuff injuries typically affect athletes and people with jobs that require lifting and repetitive overhead movements. 

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is another common type of tendonitis that affects your Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. 

Achilles tendonitis is common among runners and people who play sports like basketball or tennis. The Achilles tendon helps support your stability as you walk, run, and jump. 

The pain and stiffness caused by Achilles tendonitis are typically felt in the back lower leg and above the heel. 

How is Tendonitis Treated?

In most cases, tendonitis resolves with noninvasive, conservative methods. Before you begin treatment, your doctor at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre conducts a thorough evaluation to diagnose your condition and determine the extent of your tissue damage. 

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may perform an imaging test like an X-ray or MRI. The practice offers a number of safe, convenient in-office diagnostics. 

After your evaluation, your doctor works with you to develop your individualized treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include:

• RICE (rest, elevation, ice, compression)
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy

The goal of conservative treatment is to relieve your pain and reduce the inflammation affecting your tendons. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles and tendons of the affected area. Left untreated, tendonitis can continue to worsen and eventually lead to tendon rupture. 

A tendon rupture is a more serious condition that typically requires surgery. The orthopedic surgeons at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre offer many traditional and minimally invasive procedures to treat tendon ruptures. 

The team frequently performs arthroscopy to identify and treat torn tendons without the need for large incisions or major tissue damage.  

To find out which treatment is right for your tendonitis, book an appointment by phone or online today at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre.