Tendons themselves are cords of tough, fibrous connective tissue that attach muscles to bones. Tendons are found throughout the entire human body. Tendonitis (tendinitis) is the inflammation and irritation of these tendons. If the normal smooth gliding motion of a tendon is impaired the tendon will become inflamed and tendonitis will start to occur. Tendonitis is usually seen after excessive repetitive movement with which the tendon gradually becomes tighter until the fibers start to tear. For example, a person who plays tennis may over-use the muscles of the elbow through hitting the ball repetitively and cause tendonitis to the area.
Symptoms of tendonitis that are produced near a joint aggravated by movement may include the following:
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Pain
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Tenderness
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Mild swelling
Tendonitis in various locations in your body produces these specific types of pain:
1. Tennis elbow. This type causes pain on the outer side of your forearm near your elbow when you rotate your forearm or grip an object. Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inner part of your elbow.
2. Adductor tendonitis leads to pain in your groin.
3. Rotator cuff tendonitis leads to shoulder pain.
4. Achilles tendonitis causes pain just above your heel.
5. Patellar tendonitis causes pain just below your kneecap.
If tendonitis is severe and leads to the rupture of a tendon, you may need surgical repair. But many times, rest and medications to reduce the pain and inflammation of tendonitis may be the only treatments you need. The goals of tendonitis treatment are to relieve your pain and reduce inflammation.
If you suffer from tendonitis pain, acupuncture can offer complete pain relief naturally without side effects. The sooner the treatment begins, the quicker the pain relieves. If you would like to pursue this form of treatment or information, please contact Xiaoyan.
