Tendonitis Treatment in Edwardsville, IL | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Edwardsville, IL. Tendonitis can greatly impact our day-to-day life and our ability to do the activities we find the most joy in. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to relieve your symptoms and return you to the lifestyle you want. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional Edwardsville, IL physical therapists at Axes are here to recommend a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Contact the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Edwardsville, IL and begin your path towards recovery.
If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of tendonitis in Edwardsville, IL, come visit us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Edwardsville, IL is safe for you. Together with you and your doctor, we’ll form a team to focus on your healthy recovery and get you back to the activities you love.
Understanding Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common condition that affects up to (50%. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or irritated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the thick cords that allow our muscles to move our bones, and they are extremely important for how we move in sports, other physical activities, and in daily life. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it happens most frequently in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Diagnosis of tendonitis requires an appointment with a medical expert in Edwardsville, IL to check for pain and swelling and assess range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Edwardsville, IL
Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The types of tendonitis our Edwardsville, IL physical therapists most frequently treat include:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it connects the calf muscles to the back of your foot. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who participate in sports that require jumping or abrupt changes in direction. It is also more common in people 30 or older and people who have flat feet.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially after you’ve been off your feet for a while. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can worsen over the long term if you don’t seek out treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon affixes the kneecap to the shinbone, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who participate in sports that necessitate jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around the patellar tendon, especially during activity. The pain can intensify when climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keeps your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury that affects people who participate in activities that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in basketball or painting.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain and weakness in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. The pain can also worsen in the evening or when lying on the injured shoulder.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from irritation or welling of the tendons located on the outer side of the wrist. It is more common in women than men and it is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when knitting or gardening.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty making a fist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is most frequently caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example playing tennis or using tools.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and irritation on the outer part of the elbow, and a weak grip.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendonitis that affects the inner side of the elbow. It occurs frequently in golfers, which is how it got its name. But, it can also be the result of other repetitive movements. The repeated motion and stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause microtears, leading to swelling and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and tenderness on the inside part of your arm, which occasionally spreads to the forearm and wrist. Your elbow may also feel stiff or weak, making it difficult to grip objects or perform basic activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Edwardsville, IL: Are You at Risk?
There are several risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing tendonitis, including:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can irritate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Kind of life repeated motions, overuse means overworking a muscle without proper rest or recovery. This can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis is more common in people who are middle aged and older as tendons tolerate less stress as we get older.
- Poor posture — Tendonitis is more likely to occur when the muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders, and arms receive undue stress because of poor posture.
- Lack of flexibility — Less physically active people who don’t regularly work on their flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
- Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
- Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can result in imbalances and lead to increased stress on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, for example rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
While not all cases of tendonitis in Edwardsville, IL are avoidable, it’s important to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean resting often during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, understanding correct posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, getting treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Edwardsville, IL for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Edwardsville, IL physical therapist can help you to implement a personalized exercise plan to help alleviate your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Below are some of the ways that physical therapy can help treat tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises work to improve mobility and correct any muscle imbalances.
- In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve range of motion. It may include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization.
- Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses sound waves to penetrate deep into muscles and tendons and create a gentle heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
- Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and promote healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected tendon, while cold works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Dry needling is refers to inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve mobility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling encourages the body to heal itself.
- Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce tension on the injured soft tissue. This may include changing the way you move or getting new equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on proper ergonomics to help prevent further injury. The physical therapist may also offer guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.
Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is meant to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the affected soft tissue to restore normal function and get you back to the activities you most enjoy. Beyond some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also include injury prevention into your physical therapy program so you can stay active and stay healthy. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the root causes of tendonitis. Edwardsville, IL physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and develop a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Edwardsville, IL
If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Edwardsville, IL, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment:
- Collect information — Before your appointment, write down information about your symptoms, including when they started, how long you’ve had them, what makes them worse or provides relief. This will allow your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- Wear loose clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain movements during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
- Bring any relevant medical records — If you have seen a physician about your symptoms, bring the records with you to your appointment.
- Prepare questions — Write down any questions you may have about your injury, prognosis, and possible treatment, or even questions about the physical therapist and their experience. This will help you to get the most benefit from your appointment, help your physical therapist understand you better, and ensure that all of your concerns are addressed.
- Be honest — Be honest with your physical therapist about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous injuries or medical conditions. This will help them to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
By taking these steps to prepare for your first physical therapy appointment in Edwardsville, IL, you can help to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love as soon as possible.
Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in Edwardsville, IL
While not every tendonitis injury is preventable, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Whether participating in a sport or just going about your daily life, here are some tips to help prevent tendonitis in Edwardsville, IL:
- Warm up and cool down
- Use proper technique
- Gradually increase activity
- Take breaks and rest
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Other services we offer in Edwardsville, IL include:
- Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
- Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
- Migraine Relief
- Sprain and Strain Treatment
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Edwardsville, IL
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and weakening injury, but with the right treatment, you can restore optimal movement health. From rest and ice therapy to physical therapy and medications, there are various options available to manage tendonitis and reduce pain. Axes has seen many Edwardsville, IL patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re experiencing tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Edwardsville, IL today to learn how we can help you get back to your active and pain-free lifestyle. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.