Tendinitis is a medical concern in which the fibers that attach muscles to bones become irritated. This can occur anywhere in the body and some forms of the disorder have names associated with the body parts and movements that are affected, such as tennis elbow or swimmer’s shoulder.
Sometimes the condition is minor but at others times it requires surgical repair can be quite problematic. Learning about tendonitis is the best way to know if it’s time to get a sports physical to diagnose and treat your potential tendinitis.
Know the Risk Factors
The chances of developing tendinitis increase as you age and those who frequently perform repetitive motions at work or are exposed to vibrations are at an increased risk. Those who participate in sports and other vigorous activities are also at an increased risk for tendinitis and you should exercise caution if you’ve previously injured yourself.
Knowing these risk factors makes you more aware of your risk for tendinitis and encourages you to seek treatment sooner if you have a problem. Some even visit urgent care centers like U.S. HealthWorks for sports physicals before shifting sports or other activities to make sure they are prepared.
Know the Symptoms
If you have tendinitis, you’re likely to experience pain and stiffness in your joints and tendons. The pain may be aggravated by movement. Some experience swelling at the site of the injury and others notice that their tendons feel thicker. For some, the stiffness and pain of tendinitis are worse in the morning but others experience difficulty throughout the day.
Know Your Body
Your body will tell you when something is wrong, so be sure to listen. Don’t ignore pain, stiffness or mobility problems or dismiss them as a natural part of the aging process. Pay close attention to new injuries so that you don’t mistake a new problem for the flaring of an old one. Tendinitis can mimic arthritis, so take note of whether or not pain stays localized around the joint or moves a bit farther away from it.
If you suspect you’ve been injured, don’t hesitate to visit your family doctor or an urgent care center for a checkup to be sure all is well. It is better to go in for a false alarm than miss a problem. Tendinitis can take months to heal, so address the problem sooner rather than later.
Sources:
How to Alleviate Tendonitis. WikiHow.
Tendinitis. Mayo Clinic.
