Tendonitis (also tenonitis or tendinitis) is an inflammation of a tendon. For example, patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee) is an inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the tibia to the patella.
The most common cause of tendinitis is is injury or overuse during work or play, particularly if the patient is poorly conditioned, has bad posture, or uses the affected limb in an awkward position. Occasionally an infection within the bursa or tendon sheath will be responsible for the inflammation. Tendinitis may be associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disease and diabetes.
Treatment is based on the underlying cause. In overuse or injury, reduction or avoidance of a particular activity is useful. Proper positioning during offending activities is important to prevent recurrent injury. An adequate warm-up before and correct posture during exercise is useful. Splinting the affected area, applying moist heat, or sometimes ice, and using other form of physical therapy are helpful. Anti-inflammatory medications reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroid injections into the affected area are frequently helpful.
If an infection is present, an appropriate antibiotic is necessary and serial aspiration or surgical debridement of the tendon may be required. Surgical intervention for other forms of tendinitis is uncommon.
Once the acute attack of tendinitis subsides, preventing recurrences is crucial. Proper conditioning, ergonomically correct work stations and joint positioning, and appropriate splints or pads to protect susceptible areas help to prevent recurrences.
Common Musculoskeletal Disorders
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