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Tendinitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Calcific tendinitis; Bicipital tendinitis

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Rest or immobilization of the affected tendons is helpful for recovery. This may be achieved using a splint or a removable brace. The application of heat or cold to the affected area can help.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also reduce both pain and inflammation. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can also be very useful in controlling pain and allowing physical therapy to start.

Physical therapy that stretches and strengthens the muscle and tendon is essential. This can restore the tendon's ability to function properly, improve healing, and prevent future injury.

Rarely, surgery is needed to physically remove the inflammatory tissue from around the tendon.

Expectations (prognosis):

Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If the injury is caused by overuse, a change in work habits may be indicated to prevent recurrence of the problem.

Complications:

• Recurrence of tendinitis
• Chronic inflammation of the tendon predisposes it to further injury, such as rupture.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of tendinitis occur.

• Review Date: 9/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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