What to Expect With Your Tendinitis Treatment

Do you have bouts of tendinitis? It’s an overuse injury. You’ve inflamed tendons by placing more pressure on them than they can bear. Perhaps you’re an athlete and compete regularly. Over the years, it’s not surprising that you’ve overworked your soft tissue. 

Conversely, perhaps your job requires certain repetitive motions that stress your tendons. This applies to various professions, from tradespeople like carpenters and plumbers to musicians, painters, and gardeners. 

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Shults, with Coastal Empire Orthopedics, treats many cases of tendinitis. We have solutions that relieve your discomfort, and Dr. Shults provides guidance on how to prevent future attacks. 

The following are effective tendinitis treatments. 

Treatment with medication 

You’re already likely taking over-the-counter pain relievers. If necessary, we can prescribe a stronger NSAID. 

If your pain is acute when you come in for an appointment, Dr. Shults can administer a cortisone injection at the site of your pain. You should feel relief in a couple of days. 

Medication-free treatment for tendinitis 

We want prescription drugs to be a temporary solution. Long-term use of pain relievers isn’t good for your body. The following are other conservative treatments that can help with your tendinitis. 

Rest 

You have an important role in healing tendinitis. Resting the affected area of your body is required for healing. We can provide a doctor’s note if you need accommodations for work. If you’re an athlete, you must take time off the field or court to let your body heal. 

Once your injury is healed, you’ll need to modify what you’ve been doing that led to your injury. We review various types of modifications with you depending on your specific needs. You may need to wear a splint or a brace. You’ll need to learn to take breaks from continuous activity that involves the injured area. Never forget to do exercises to warm up the injured part of your body before extended use. 

Orthotics, splints, or braces 

Assistive devices such as a splint, brace, or custom orthotic for your shoe help protect the injured area of your body. If the problem is in your feet, we recommend custom orthotics, which help ensure a correct walking gait so you don’t stress your tendons. 

Physical therapy

We refer you to physical therapy. Physical therapy helps release tight, constricted muscles surrounding your tendons and breaks up scar tissue. You’ll regain lost range of motion and flexibility. Your therapist teaches you specific exercises to perform to strengthen your weak tendons and muscles. 

It’s important to continue doing the exercises after your appointments end. Make the exercises a part of your daily routine. Strong muscles help protect your tendons, which can help prevent tendinitis in the future. 

Heat and ice

Moist heat helps loosen tight muscles. Ice helps reduce inflammation and pain. 

Platelet-rich plasma injections 

Dr. Shult may administer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce inflammation and ease pain. PRP has given orthopedic practices a new tool to combat the pain and inflammation of musculoskeletal injuries. 

We draw a sample of your blood, create a large mass of platelets, and inject the blood with the critical mass of platelets at the site of your injury. The platelets contain key nutrients that hasten cell repair and lower inflammation. 

Call Coastal Empire Orthopedics or book an appointment today through our online portal if you have musculoskeletal pain.