As per the orthopedic specialists, tendonitis gets triggered due to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are thick cord-like structures that link muscle to bone. The primary reason for this inflammation is repetitive movements, overuse, or sudden injury. This leads to unbearable pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Tendonitis is not limited to any particular muscle or joint in the body. It can occur in various parts of the body including the elbows, shoulders, knees, wrists, and heels. Also, tendonitis can occur among people of all ages. Thus, it is important to get a proper diagnosis at the best orthopedic hospital in India which can help in the effective management of tendonitis and the prevention of further complications.
Types of Tendonitis
Tendonitis can manifest in various parts of the body, leading to different types based on the affected area and associated activities. Some common types of tendonitis include:
- Tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylitis): This a type of tendonitis that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, and the primary reason for this tendonitis type is the repetitive movement of the wrists which involves sports activities like tennis and other racquet sports.
- Golfer’s elbow (Medial epicondylitis): Contrary to tennis elbow, the golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. This condition is caused by the repetitive gripping and swinging motions which is commonplace in golfers but other activities that involve similar movements can also trigger medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow.
- Pitcher’s shoulder: This form of tendonitis affects the tendons and muscles around the shoulder joint, a common condition suffered by cricket bowlers and baseball pitchers. The reason is the repetitive overhead throwing motion.
- Swimmer’s shoulder: Due to the repetitive and overhead arm movements involved in swimming strokes, this condition of tendonitis is called swimmer’s shoulder as commonly seen among swimmers..
- Runner’s/Jumper’s knee: The tendon that gets affected in this type of tendonitis is the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This type of tendonitis is commonly seen among runners and athletes who are involved in jumping activities which can lead to pain and inflammation around the knee joint.
The complications of tendonitis
While tendonitis is a common and often treatable condition, orthopedic specialists emphasize that this condition should not be left untreated as the underlying causes may aggravate. Hence, the consultation at the best orthopedic surgery hospital in India. The potential causes of tendonitis may amount to conditions like:
- Chronic pain: When tendonitis is not adequately treated, it snowballs into a chronic condition and this leads to persistent or recurring pain in the affected area. Chronic pain is challenging to deal with daily and can have a significant impact on the quality of life. It may also require intensive measures at the top orthopedic hospital in India for effective pain management.
- Tendon rupture: If a person is suffering from prolonged tendonitis, it can weaken the tendon structure and increase the risk of tendon rupture. Tendon rupture is a condition in which the tendon gets torn either partially or completely. Tendon ruptures typically require surgical intervention at the best orthopedic surgery hospital in India. If left unaddressed, it may result in long-term functional impairment.
- Reduced range of motion: Inflammation and scarring of the tendon tissue triggers stiffness and the flexibility in the reduced joint is affected as well. This could also lead to an impaired range of motion which could make it difficult to perform everyday activities or participate in sports or any activities of recreation.
- Loss of function: Severe tendonitis or tendon rupture can also cause a loss of function in the affected joint or limb. This has a direct impact on the limitation of mobility and impairing overall function. Under such circumstances, rehabilitation at the top orthopedic hospital in India is key or one can opt for assistive devices to regain function.
- Secondary injuries: As there shall be compensatory movements or altered biomechanics due to pain or stiffness in the affected area, there lies a risk of the development of secondary injuries in nearby muscles, joints, or soft tissues. These secondary injuries must be dealt with attention as it aggravates the symptoms and prolongs recovery.
Diagnosis of tendonitis
Diagnosis of the tendonitis at the best orthopedic hospital in India is an elaborate process and requires a detailed medical history review. Therefore, the orthopedic specialists may ask for the history of the pain, recent activities, and symptoms that may have added to the pain. Next, a physical examination shall be done wherein the doctor will assess the area of tendonitis. In some cases, the assessment is also done by incorporating imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to visualize the affected tendon and surrounding structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, timely and specialized care of tendonitis at the top orthopedic hospital in India is crucial in effective pain management for tendonitis.