Healthy Fluids

Chronic pain caused by tendonitis can be an unfortunate and incurable condition. Learning to manage the pain will help sufferers move on with life.

For those with tendonitis, learning to properly manage the pain of inflamed tendons can greatly improve ones quality of life. Tendonitis can strike any and all joints and may begin at any age, limiting a persons overall productivity, mood, abilities, and self-sufficiency. Walking, cooking, typing, playing sports, hobbies and other day-to-day tasks may become impossible without the proper treatment.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tendons, usually resulting from a combination of wear-and-tear or overuse and the bodys inability to heal the damage. No matter where or how it presents, it is called tendonitis. Tennis elbow, jumpers knee, swimmers shoulder are all forms of tendonitis present in different joints.

In some cases, it is caused by an injury, but in others, it is simply a result of the areas structural framework and tightness. To varying degrees, most people experience tendonitis in their lifetime (The Tendonitis Expert). For some, the condition can appear fairly early on in life. Once present and no matter what the initial cause, tendonitis can be difficult to combat, as there is no cure.

Soothing the Pain

Often, those newly diagnosed with tendonitis are discouraged to learn that it will never go away. However, with proper management, it is possible to live with very little pain and discomfort. Identifying the problem area and the activities that trigger a flare-up are the first steps to addressing the painful condition. With this knowledge in hand, provisions can be made to lessen the strain and tightness of the affected area.

Most doctors prescribe lots of rest for the inflamed area, which can be more of a challenge in some areas (hands, ankles, elbows) than others. Often, splints or braces can relieve some of the stress if total rest is impossible. These are easy to obtain from local pharmacies and cost relatively little. Adding short breaks and stretches into the middle of an activity gives the tendon a chance to relax and loosen, reducing the intensity of the pain.

You should also invest in a pain relief product. I recommend physiotherapy SoloKits.

Fighting a Flare-Up

In the midst of an intense flare up, basic stretches of the affected area, ice and rest are the best course of action. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications often help reduce the pain as well. Heating the area, ignoring the pain, or working through it are unadvisable, as these measures will increase the level and duration of the pain. Paying attention to the body and relaxing when needed are of utmost importance.

Following these basic rules and learning to stay in tune with the body can greatly improve ones functionality as a tendonitis sufferer. Its important to accept the condition as an inconvenient part of life, but not as a barrier to reaching ones full potential.