Tendonitis Treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO. Tendonitis can greatly limit our mobility and ability to enjoy the things we most love doing. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to relieve your symptoms and return you to the level of activity you desire. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional Lake St. Louis, MO physical therapists at Axes are standing by to recommend a personalized treatment plan to get you back on track. Reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us through our website to request an appointment in Lake St. Louis, MO and start your journey towards healing.
If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of tendonitis in Lake St. Louis, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Lake St. Louis, MO 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.
What Is Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common issue that affects many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed or irritated, lead to pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to power our bones, and they are extremely important for our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it happens most frequently in joints and extremities.
Identification of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a healthcare professional in Lake St. Louis, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO
Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The types of tendonitis our Lake St. Louis, MO physical therapists most frequently treat include:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who participate in sports that require jumping or quick changes in direction. It is also more common in people who are over 30 years old and those who have flat feet.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and lack of motion in the back of your foot, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can worsen over time if left untreated.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that necessitate jumping, like basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around the patellar tendon, especially during activity. The pain can also worsen when going up the stairs stairs or after sitting for long periods.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surrounds the shoulder joint, and it helps in the movement of the arm. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury that affects people who participate in activities that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in swimming or painting.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include soreness and weakness in the shoulder, especially when moving your arm upward or rotating it forward. The pain can also worsen at night or if you sleep on the injured shoulder.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from aggravation 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 typing or gardening.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty a “sticking” or “snapping” sensation when moving the thumb or wrist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is often due to 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 weak grip strength.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendonitis that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. This condition is common among golfers, hence the name. But, it can also occur in individuals who engage in other activities that involve repetitive gripping or wrist flexion. The excess stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause microtears, leading to irritation and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and irritation on the inside part of your arm, which can sometimes extend down to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to grip objects or perform basic activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO: Causes
There are numerous risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, such as:
- Repetitive 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 repetitive motions, overuse refers to the excessive use of a particular tendon without giving your body enough time to recover. Overuse can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people 40 or 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 are overworked because of poor posture.
- Lack of flexibility — Less physically active people who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
- Acute injuries — 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 cause increased stress on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
While not all cases of tendonitis in Lake St. Louis, MO are preventable, it’s important to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, being aware of appropriate posture, and staying active. Furthermore, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help keep your tendons flexible and strong enough to not be harmed.
Physical Therapy in Lake St. Louis, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it doesn’t require surgery and has a long track record of success. Your Lake St. Louis, MO physical therapist can help you to design a customized physical therapy plan to help alleviate your symptoms and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Below are some physical therapy treatments that help people with tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and strength.
- Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. It may include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization.
- Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
- Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief 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 area, while cold works to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Dry needling is refers to inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to ease pain and improve mobility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling encourages the body to heal itself.
- Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce stress on the injured soft tissue. This may involve 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 teach you correct body mechanics to help prevent further injury. They may also offer guidance on lifestyle modifications such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.
Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is meant to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the injured soft tissue to restore normal function and get you back to what you love doing most. In addition to some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also include injury prevention into your physical therapy program so you reduce the risk of experiencing tendonitis again. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. Lake St. Louis, MO physical therapists can identify areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and create a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Lake St. Louis, MO
If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your first appointment:
- Collect information — Before your appointment, write down information about your symptoms, including when they started, how long they’ve had them, what activities aggravate them, and what, if anything, provides relief. This will help your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- Wear comfortable clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain movements during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows to move around easily.
- Bring any relevant medical records — If you have seen a doctor about your injury, bring the results with you to your appointment.
- Prepare questions — Write down any questions you may have about your condition, treatment options, what you can do to prevent further injury, or even questions about the physical therapist and their experience. This will help you to make the most out of 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 Lake St. Louis, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love as soon as possible.
Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in Lake St. Louis, MO
While not every tendonitis injury is avoidable, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO:
- 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 Lake St. Louis, MO 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 Lake St. Louis, MO
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and weakening condition, but with the right treatment, you can restore your strength and flexibility. 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 Lake St. Louis, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Lake St. Louis, MO 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.