TENDONITIS

Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition where the tendon that connects the muscle to bone becomes inflamed and causes pain and discomfort. This can occur in any tendon of the body, including:

• Elbow
• Wrist
• Knee
• Ankle
• Achilles tendon

The inflammation can be the result of various factors, including overuse, injury, and degenerative conditions. Unfortunately, this condition can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life by causing pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, decreased range of motion, and tenderness.

Treatment for tendonitis typically involves rest, physical therapy, and medication to manage pain and inflammation. However, a chiropractor may also be able to help manage the symptoms of tendonitis through manual therapy and other techniques.

On this page, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of tendonitis, then switch gears to the role of chiropractors in managing this condition.

What are the causes of tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a multi-complex process that occurs due to mechanical wear and tear, as well as an underlying inflammatory process. Understanding these causes will help you manage your exposure to them, reducing your risk of the condition.

Here are the most prevalent causes of tendonitis:

Overuse

One of the most common causes of tendonitis is overuse, which occurs when the tendon is repeatedly subjected to stress and strain. This can lead to small tears in the tendon, precipitating inflammation and pain. Examples of overuse include repetitive motions in sports or manual labor, such as tennis elbow (insert link) or carpenter’s wrist.

Injury

Injuries such as sprains and strains (insert link) can cause tendonitis. These types of injuries typically occur suddenly, resulting from a fall or twist.

Degenerative conditions

Degenerative conditions, such as arthritis or gout, can also lead to tendonitis. These conditions cause the tissues in the body to break down, which upregulates the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Age

As we age, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury. This makes us more susceptible to tendonitis.

Poor posture

Poor posture and repetitive motions done in an incorrect way put additional strain on your tendons and increase the risk of tendonitis.

A spine clinic is ideal to correct poor posture and improve the mechanics of your muscles and joints. For instance, a 2017 case study examined the anatomical changes induced by chiropractic care in a patient with hyperkyphosis posture (i.e., a hunchback posture). After 6 months of treatment, the patient demonstrated impressive improvement in symptoms of pain, as well as posture.

Medical conditions

Chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) also increase the risk of tendonitis due to changes in the body that can affect the tendons.

Addressing this condition may relieve your symptoms. However, you will most likely need chiropractic care to aid with your recovery.

Infection

In rare cases, an infection can cause tendonitis either from a direct infection of the tendon or from an infection spreading from another area of the body to the tendon.

It is important to note that a combination of factors can contribute to the development of tendonitis. Therefore, you need a full assessment from a professional chiropractor to carefully identify the causes and risk factors of tendonitis.

What are the signs and symptoms of tendonitis?

The signs and symptoms of tendonitis are quite diverse. Therefore, do not expect to have all the symptoms to qualify for the diagnosis of tendonitis.

With that said, here are the most common signs and symptoms of tendonitis:

Pain

Pain is the most common symptom of tendonitis, ranging from mild to severe. The pain may be localized to the area of the inflamed tendon or be felt along the entire length of the tendon.

Swelling

Swelling is often present in the area of the affected tendon. You may also see signs of redness and warmth.

Stiffness

Stiffness in the affected area, especially after periods of rest, is common with tendonitis.

Weakness

Tendonitis can cause weakness in the affected area, making it difficult to perform everyday activities or engage in physical activity.

Decreased range of motion

The inflammation caused by tendonitis may decrease your range of motion in the affected joint.

Crepitus

Crepitus (i.e., crackling or popping sensation) felt when moving the affected joint can be a symptom of tendonitis.

Tenderness

The affected area may be tender to the touch. As a result, you may feel pain when the tendon gets pressed or stretched.

How chiropractors can help with tendonitis (Evidence-Based)

Tendonitis can cause significant pain and discomfort. Therefore, prompt treatment is crucial to preventing further complications. Chiropractors are trained to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including tendonitis. A few sessions can provide effective relief for those suffering from this condition.

One study found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow. In this randomized controlled trial, patients receiving chiropractic care showed a significant improvement in pain and function compared to those receiving a placebo.

Another study looked at the effectiveness of chiropractic care in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis, a common form of shoulder tendonitis. The results showed that chiropractic care was effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing function in these patients.

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to help manage the symptoms of tendonitis, including manual therapy, exercise, and rehabilitation. Manual therapy, such as joint manipulation and soft tissue mobilization, can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area and improve the range of motion.

Exercise and rehabilitation can also play an important role in the management of tendonitis. Chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination in the affected area, helping to reduce the risk of future injury and promote healing.

Takeaway message

Chiropractors can help with an array of musculoskeletal problems, including tendonitis. These practitioners aid with the pain and inflammation to relieve your symptoms and optimize your recovery.

We hope that this article managed to explain how chiropractors can effectively address the symptoms of tendonitis.

If you want to learn more about your specific case, feel free to reach out to us via the contact us page!