Tendonitis Treatment at our Pain Center

Just like the long steel ropes that support the Golden Gate Bridge, thick fibrous bands of tissue affix your muscles to your bones. Referred to as tendons, these fibrous chords can be located in many places around your body. They assist in almost all forms of movements and play an essential role in maintaining the musculoskeletal system.

While tendons are typically tough and impact resistant, they can become subject to a condition called tendinitis. Tendinitis is characterized by the inflammation of a tendon –caused by microscopic tears resulting from joint overuse. Although tendons can be found all over the body, tendinitis generally localizes itself to regions in the shoulder, wrist, knee, shin, and heel.

Direct impact or trauma can likely induce tendinitis– along with everyday movements that put stress on your joints. Many forms of tendinitis relate to particular sport movements, as the name of certain ailments reflect the relationship amongst the two (e.g. Tennis elbow, Pitcher’s shoulder, Jumper’s knee, etc.). Tendinitis can be observed throughout much of the population but individuals above the age of forty seem to be afflicted with a greater frequency. As we age our tendons lose flexibility and become more prone to injury, and as a result more prone to tendinitis. Some symptoms of Tendinitis include:

• Pain around an afflicted joint—especially during movement
• Tenderness or inflammation across musculoskeletal insertion sites

Tendinitis typically does not require extensive medical care as recovery can be spontaneous. Self-care measures can be taken at home to successfully deal with any sort of pain and or discomfort. The focus of treatment options at a Chicago pain management center should be to reduce the pain and the swelling and help patients avoid surgery. Some of the recommended treatment options include:

• Medication: Typically the most effective route of treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen. When used alongside pain-relievers such as acetaminophen many tendinitis related symptoms can be significantly reduced along with any associated pain.
• Prescription Pain Creams/Patches
• R.I.C.E. Method: Used as an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. When used properly in twenty minute intervals- this process can significantly reduce swelling and inflammation associated with tendinitis
• Corticosteroid Injection
• Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
• Bracing
• Surgical Intervention: See below

While surgery intervention depends on the extent of damage done to tendons– it is usually very rare and uncommon. The surgical procedure consists of a minimally invasive arthroscopic operation that repairs damaged or torn tendons. After surgery, recovery times are gradual and progressive depending on the procedure. While research studies have shown that surgical interventions have typically improved pain reduction and functionality, satisfaction criteria were only maintained for about 6 months.

The top pain management clinics in Chicago with eight locations are Premier Pain & Spine. All types of arthritis and tendonitis are treated, with the vast majority of patients achieving significant pain relief without surgery. Most insurance is accepted, with convenient locations all around metro Chicago area.

Call (847) 519 4701 today!