Tendonitis is swelling of a tendon, which is a thick cord like structure that attaches bone to muscle. Tendonitis is an injury that develops as a result of excessive use, and is frequently caused by continuous, minor impact on the affected area, or sometimes from an unexpected, more serious injury.

Once an individual is determined to have tendonitis, they begin to consider which routes to take for more rapid healing. The primary goal in tendonitis treatment and healing is to reduce pain and to reduce swelling.

The following are various suggestions for tendonitis prevention and treatment:

These strategies are recommended by health professionals and physical therapists alike. Physical therapy can prove to be very helpful, especially a program that stretches and strengthens the muscles and tendons. This training is necessary, as it can rehabilitate the tendon's capability to function properly, advance healing, and eliminate future injury.

Physical therapists and body work specialists include range-of-motion exercises, splinting, and in some cases, braces designed to support and guard the affected area. Body work specialists and physical therapists may also advise individuals about ergonomics, and incorrect posture at work, or minimal stretching before working out. Most all health and body work professionals agree that in order to aid recovery you should carry out the following:

1. Rest and Protection

Tendonitis treatment methods must begin by staying away from altogether the aggravating motions and exercise that caused the injury. This could mean resting from a favorite activity for a period of time. Taking a break is an absolutely necessary step in order for the inflamed tendon to heal. Many people find this either difficult or inconvenient, especially if the injury is work related (professional athletes, gardeners, carpenters, etc) but tendonitis will not completely heal without this basic stage. In many cases a splint or brace will be recommended to help protect the area, which can act as important armor against re-injury.

2. Make use of An Ice Pack

Icing the area of inflammation is an important aspect of tendonitis treatment. The ice controls the inflammation and decreases swelling. Once inflammation and swelling have diminished, the tendon is able to return to its normal state and perform its normal functioning.

3. Consider Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are common over the counter (OTC) medications such as Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Motrin, Celebrex, and many others. Tendonitis can benefit from these medications because they decrease pain and swelling. There are also anti-inflammatory cremes one can put directly on the affected area. Bear in mind that it is always wiseto first discuss with a health professional any medications you decide to take.

4. Cortisone Shots

Often when the symptoms of tendonitis are persistent, an injection of cortisone may be considered. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that is injected directly to the site of inflammation. Sometimes this is a more dramatic choice for situations that are not improved with rest, safeguarding, or applying. It is vital to be informed that not all types of tendonitis can be cured with cortisone injections. For example, Achilles tendonitis is very rarely injected with cortisone because of worries about probable rupture of the tendon.

5. Strengthening approaches and physical therapy

Appropriate strengthening approaches can help you avoid tendonitis by educating you to use your muscles in a safe, more productive manner. Physical therapists and massage therapists have certain exercises that teach people ways to move their vulnerable areas that won't cause inflammation. Exercises should never begin until the person has healed enough for the swelling to be gone. A person who exercises prematurely will injure themselves further.

6. Take Time Outs

Replace repetitive jobs with a break or a change in activity to relieve stress on the tendons. Any one activity that is continuous for hours at a time should be interrupted with a break. Individuals with exercise-related tendonitis should modify workouts to relieve any persistent stress and motion of the same kind of exercise activity.

7. Safeguard the Tendon

Some people who have persistent tendonitis will find relief by protecting the affected area when accomplishing certain activities. For example, a wrist brace can be worn while house painting or gardening, relieving the repetitive strain on the tendon. Specially designed removable braces may be suggested, as well as an ace bandage or wrap.

8. R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Another valuable system of action is the familiar acronym used to minimize inflammation: RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The particular blend of this strategy, if put into place immediately, can be very effective in minimizing swelling andthus treating tendonitis.

Generally, the above mentioned treatments are sufficient tendonitis interventions for sufferers to completely handle their symptoms. In rare cases, sometimes surgery is suggested, but only when there is no response to multiple treatment approaches, and the individual believes it to be the only option. However, surgery has its risks, including scar tissue, more inflammation, pain, and the distinct possibility that the surgery will fail and possibly make your condition worse. Be certain to have a thoughtful conversation with a health professional you trust, before deciding if surgery is a good choice for you. Know the many risks, and do research, etc., to help you make an informed decision about your body and your health.