Wrist Tendonitis can be broadly attributed to injury, strain, and age. There may be other medical conditions that cause wrist tendonitis, but statistics point out that injury, strain, and age account for the highest occurrences of wrist tendonitis.

 • Overuse of the wrists: The wrist tendons tend to get injured when they are overused. Certain groups of people specifically tend to overuse their wrists. For example, people who work on the computer for long hours tend to repetitively use their wrists and fingers. Tennis players tend to overuse their wrists while playing shots. Wrist Tendonitis may also be common in people who play musical instruments like the piano.

 • Strains on tendons: The wrist tendons tend to get injured when athletes and bodybuilders work out using poor techniques. For example, a bodybuilder may lift weights the wrong way or without properly warming up his/her body and wrists. This puts the tendons under immense strain and may cause injury.

 • Injuries: One can also pick up Tendonitis due to injuries to adjacent parts of the tendons. For example, wrist tendonitis may also develop because of injuries to elbow tendons. Associated injuries like these usually occur because the injury in the adjacent body parts has not healed completely.

• Age: Older people are believed to be more prone to wrist tendonitis. This is because their tendons tend to lose the natural suppleness and elasticity with age and become more rigid. The tendons are no longer able to pass smoothly through the tenosynovium and consequently, the wrist suffers from inflammation.

Treatments for wrist tendonitis

There are two main treatment options for wrist tendonitis: medical intervention and natural cures. Medical intervention may require all or any combination of anti-inflammation medicines, Cortisone injections, and surgery. Each of these options has the potential to cure or at least alleviate wrist tendonitis to varying degrees.

However, many medicines are usually accompanied by side effects and may cause other complications. Therefore, an individual needs to take medicines under strict supervision and according to one’s condition.

Natural cures, on the other hand, are typically devoid of side effects and can be equally effective in alleviating wrist tendonitis. The other unique selling propositions for natural cures are that they are cheap, applicable to all age groups, and can address the problem from the roots.

Here are several natural remedies for Wrist Tendonitis:

• Follow sound ergonomic principles: Talk to a body specialist, or a certified physiotherapist and identify the exact actions or wrist postures that are responsible for the inflammation. Once this is determined, stop repeating the postures immediately. If you work on the computer throughout the day, evaluate your work space to see whether it follows standard ergonomic principles. If it does not, restructure your desk area to comply with sound ergonomic principles. Always make sure your desk allows you to keep a natural wrist position while working.

• Immobilization: If the inflammation is due to overuse of the wrist, make sure that it gets adequate rest. Place your wrist in a splint or brace to rest your tendons. The inflammation will decrease with sufficient rest.

• Keep your wrist healthy: One can keep the wrists healthy and supple by training the muscles to respond and work, thus reducing the solo work load of tendons. If you combine the use of muscles and the tendons, the latter will not wear out as quickly.

Also, take periodic breaks from work, as this will decrease the stress applied on your tendons. Try alternating between both arms while doing some work. For example, if you are right handed and use the computer mouse,  try using the mouse with your left hand. The idea is to lessen the burden on one set of muscle and tendon groups.

• Apply ice: Applying an ice pack on the inflamed area will help cool the inflammation and stimulate the blood flow.

As is obvious, natural treatments for tendonitis emphasize modifications in our lifestyles,  and the way we go about our daily activities. With these measures, our tendons are more equipped to take on the strains and stresses of everyday life, provided you give them adequate rest, a healthy diet, and appropriate care. Natural remedies can thus prevent, as well as alleviate, Wrist Tendonitis.

If these alternative treatments are too difficult for you, watch this short video.

Most people are inclined to think that tennis elbow is only caused by playing tennis. Playing tennis is just one of the causes of elbow tendonitis, and it actually represents a very small percentage of those afflicted with tendinitis symptoms. Simply put, the most frequent cause of “tennis elbow” is any prolonged, unvarying action which places a constant strain on the forearm muscles. For example, painting ceilings or walls. This is a perfect example of a repetitive motion performed under strain at an unnatural angle with infrequent breaks. Therefore people who are manual laborers, like plumbers, gardeners, painters, or assembly line workers in a factory, are at a higher risk of developing tendonitis. People who are at an equally elevated risk for fostering elbow tendonitis are athletes. Almost all racquet sport devotees, and golf enthusiasts will be apt to strain and overburden elbow tendons and forearm muscles, whether through occupational commitment or the thrill of the competitive game.

Elbow tendinitis has another ‘easy mark’ prime cause, and that is the natural process of aging. The age groups between 35-65 are the most prevalent category of tennis elbow targets. As we age our tendons lose their stretchiness and their resilience. The elbow tendons naturally and gradually become more frail, and subsequently, subject to a more shatter-able state. The tendonitis causes that aging elbow tendinitis sufferers fall prey to are ultimately the exact causes that all tendonitis sufferers experience, only with increased vulnerability due to the onset of brittle tendons.

Several other explanations for elbow tendonitis exist, besides persistent strain. For instance, an accident where the elbow itself is jarred or shocked. A more common cause for elbow tendinitis are those who are unskilled at the specific activity they are participating in. This lack of proficiency increases the agitation of their strained tendons often through poor judgment. An example of this would be using equipment that is inappropriate, like golf clubs that are too heavy, or too long. Often sports such as golf or tennis are expensive, so individuals may borrow equipment that is disproportionate to their physique. Ill fitted racquets or faulty tools encourage the individual to compensate, creating hazardous movements, thus provoking tendonitis symptoms.

A safe overall statement is that those who are not generally fit, or in good physical condition, will have an increased risk of developing elbow tendonitis. Awkward technique in a sport or manual endeavor, coupled with unconditioned muscles and poor health, is a recipe for strained muscles. The muscles employed for such tasks will be ill prepared for the stress, and often the wrong ones to engage for the action. Repetition of such motion intensifies the negative result. Another ingredient in this recipe for elbow tendonitis is a sudden acceleration in how often an individual works, or works out. Muscles subjected to impulsive and unusual intensity in exercise or job related activity are in danger of elbow tendinitis symptoms. Dedicate the time to learn and train in a new sports endeavor. Improve your technique. Study with a professional. The same applies to manual labor skills. Sharpen your abilities. Learn from a mentor or an apprenticeship.

The most blatant symptom that individuals with elbow tendonitis notice is pain. Loss of strength, tightness, and a general restriction of movement are customary effects of tennis elbow. Numbness, and a prickly burning can be experienced. Sufferers report that elbow tendonitis symptoms manifest themselves as sharp pain around the elbow itself, and may be worsened excruciatingly by flexing back the wrist, or clutching items such as racquets or rakes, etc. People often struggle with elbow tendonitis pain both during and after their strenuous repetitive activity, as well as while trying to sleep at night, or first thing in the morning. Such pain can be avoided with proper attention to elbow tendonitis causes, prevention, and treatment.

One of the most common suggestions for tennis elbow treatment is the R.I.C.E. strategy, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Elbow tendonitis responds to this treatment if utilized as soon as the tennis elbow pain occurs. Swift application and dedication to this method can make or break your recovery time, and reduce your chances of re-injury. A very helpful suggestion for the treatment of elbow tendonitis is making stretching an integral part of your fitness routine. This important addition to your overall physical conditioning will have a substantial influence, and can serve to be preventative as well. The warming up and cooling down of your muscles before high risk repetitive activity will dramatically assist in their resistance to injury. Stretching and massage of elbow tendons can increase blood flow to the injured area, thus promoting the delivery of much needed oxygen and nutrients to the disabled region.

The individual may wish to employ over-the-counter medications that are designed to combat inflammation and pain in the tendonitis affected area as well. These medications should be monitored closely, so that the individual does not prematurely engage in activity before they are ready, because their pain is masked. Once the elbow tendonitis is headed in the direction of rehabilitation, the individual should design a future fitness plan that focuses on strengthening his or her muscles, as well as paying the utmost attention to flexibility. A strong and flexible elbow tendon is less likely to be torn by strain and repetitive movement. The benefits of such conditioning will be well worth the effort.

Below are several suggestions for tendonitis treatment, and for avoiding recurrences of this problem. These suggestions are recommended by doctors and physical therapists alike. Physical therapy can prove to be very beneficial, especially therapy that stretches and strengthens the muscles and tendons. This conditioning is essential, as it can restore the tendon’s ability to function properly, improve healing, and prevent future injury. Physical therapy includes range-of-motion exercises, splinting, and in some cases, braces designed to support and protect the affected area. Physical therapists may also educate patients about incorrect posture at work, or substandard stretching before working out. Most Physical therapists agree that in order to aid healing you should implement the following:

1. Rest and Protection

Tendonitis treatment must begin by avoiding altogether the aggravating motions and activity that caused the injury. This could mean taking a break from a favorite hobby for a period of time, but this is an absolutely necessary step in order for the inflamed tendon to heal. Many people find this either impossible or inconvenient, especially if the injury is work related (professional athletes, gardeners, carpenters, etc) but tendonitis will not fully heal without this basic stage. Often a splint or brace will be prescribed to help protect the area, which can act as important armor against re-injury.

2. Use An Ice Pack

Icing the area of inflammation is a critical aspect of tendonitis treatment. The ice controls the inflammation and decreases swelling. Once inflammation and swelling have diminished, the tendon is able to return to its normal state and perform its normal job.

3. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are common over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Motrin, Celebrex, and many others. Tendonitis can benefit from these medications because they decrease pain and swelling. There are also anti-inflammatory cremes you can apply directly to the affected area. Remember that it is always wise to first discuss with your doctor any medications you decide to take.

4. Cortisone Injections

Often when the symptoms of tendonitis are persistent, an injection of cortisone may be considered. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that is injected directly to the site of inflammation. Sometimes this is a more dramatic option for situations that are not improved with rest, protection, or icing.
It is vital to be aware that not all types of tendonitis can be treated with cortisone injections. For example, Achilles tendonitis is very rarely injected with cortisone because of concerns about probable rupture of the tendon. Exercising prematurely can be risky and re-aggravate your condition.

5. Strengthening techniques and physical therapy

Applicable strengthening techniques can help you avoid tendonitis by teaching you to use your muscles in a safe, more productive manner. Physical Therapists have specific exercises that teach patients ways to move their prone areas that won’t cause inflammation. Exercises should never begin until the patient has healed enough for the swelling to be gone. A patient who exercises prematurely will injure themselves further.

6. Take Time Outs

Alternate repetitive jobs with an intermission or a change in activity to relieve stress on the tendons. Any one activity that is continuous for hours at a time should be interrupted with a break. Individuals with exercise-related tendonitis should adjust workouts to relieve any persistent stress and motion of the same kind of exercise activity.

7. Protect the Tendon

Some patients who have chronic tendonitis will find relief by protecting the affected area when doing certain activities. For example, wrist splints can be worn while house painting or gardening, alleviating the repetitive strain on the tendon. Specially designed removable braces may be prescribed, as well as ace bandages.

8. RICE

Another helpful system of action is the common acronym used to reduce inflammation: RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. The special blend of this strategy, if put into place immediately, can be very effective in reducing swelling and therefore treating tendonitis.

In most cases, these steps are sufficient enough tendonitis treatment for patients to completely resolve their symptoms. In rare cases, surgery is required, but only if there is no response to these treatment strategies. However, surgery has it draw-backs, including scar tissue, more inflammation, pain, and the district possibility that the surgery will fail and potentially make your condition worse. Be sure you have a very in-depth conversation with your doctor before deciding surgery is for you. Know the risks, do research online, etc.

There is one additional thing you may want to consider, which is to understand the hidden secret to chronic pain.

What Causes Patellar Tendonitis?

As is the case with all tendonitis, patellar tendonitis manifests itself because of overuse, or repetitive stress. When the patellar tendon is overburdened, particularly during physical training or workouts, the tendons experience stress trying to keep up. This stress results in small tears in the tendon, which encourages the body’s natural response to heal itself, by sending more nutrients via the vascular channels. As is often the case, the tendon can’t compete with the repetitive stress inducing activity, so inflammation and tenderness ensue.

Patellar tendonitis is a particularly painful form of tendonitis. Many sufferers report that the pain will grow until it becomes a constant, dull pain that is present even when the individual is not engaged in any activity. It often gets bad enough to keep the sufferer from sleeping. Patellar tendonitis more often than not occurs in athletes who have to jump frequently in sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Due to the association with pain felt in the knee while jumping, this condition is often called the jumper’s knee. The same is true for it’s twin, “runner’s knee.”

You can injure the patellar tendon in numerous ways. The most indisputable ways being to fall hard on the front part of the knee, or for an object to strike it. This sudden trauma will agitate and inflame the tendon temporarily, but it doesn’t often produce the micro-tears and severity of inflammation found in long-term injury. Sudden acute stress, however, is not as prevalent a cause as repetitive stress related patellar tendonitis. In a sense, sudden trauma is an easier cause of patellar tendonitis to recover from because it doesn’t involve tearing, which produces scar tissue. Scar tissue will make the affected area more stiff and rigid, reduce flexibility, and result in a much longer healing process. It is not unusual for “normal” healing periods to last well over six months.

Another tricky way patellar tendonitis sneaks up on the unsuspecting victim, is to be lurking in cold weather climates. The chances of patellar strain are increased dramatically when an individual is training excessively in cold weather. Overuse in frigid temperatures attacks the tendons when they are cold, stiff, and brittle. This makes the tendons extra  vulnerable to small tearing and distress.  A cold weather preventative patellar remedy would be to layer warm clothing appropriately while exercising in cold temperatures. It is wise to wear clothing.

Wear weather appropriate clothing when training

Perhaps the most reported cause of patellar tendon injury is very similar to a train jumping it’s tracks. It’s referred to as “mis-tracking” of the tendon,  named because the tendon jumps out of the canal at the uppermost part of the shinbone, and over the knee cartilage. This happens primarily right in the middle of  heavy exertion, and is said to be quite painful. Also if you have ever experienced fallen arches, or have had related arch issues, you may be so inclined to investigate shoe inserts. Proper support in your footwear prevents the arches from falling, and in turn, keeps the shinbone from twisting and causing the track jumping described above.

How Do You Treat Patellar Tendonitis?

1. Rest is by far the best way to cure patellar tendonitis.There are consistent remedies and measures to take if you believe you have developed patellar tendonitis. Most importantly, stop the activity which caused the injury in the first place! All movement doesn’t have to be arrested, but running (especially downhill) or jumping should be completely eliminated.

2. Ice the injured and inflamed area. Ice packs directly after the activity, applied a couple of times a day for at least twenty minutes, will significantly aid in the reduction of swelling. Once the swelling is under control, the tendon is able to transport essential nutrients to the damaged area where before it was unable to. Healing will become much swifter once the vascular tissue is no longer obstructed.

3. Try over the counter, anti inflammatory medications to ease pain and reduce swelling. As always, be cautious not to mask your pain with medication, which can lead to re-injury. However, non prescription medications which aid pain and swelling can make the healing process faster and easier.

4. Massage the area with the aid of a professional, or on your own, all along the leg area to encourage blood flow. Blood flowing to the affected area carries essential oxygen and nutrients, which helps everything.
More Healing Tips for Chronic Tendonitis

5. Investigate using a brace, or a special knee strap, called the Chopat strap. Both of which have been reported to help many people if used properly, to reduce pressure on the strained patellar tendon.

6. Pay attention to stretching and warming up. Finally, as is strongly advised with all tendonitis treatments, if the individual includes stretching before exercise or repetitive activity, their muscles will appreciate it immensely.  Cooling down stretches are excellent injury insurance as well. Remember, a body that is introduced to a regular stretching routine, combined with exercise, will become a limber and strong body capable of escaping injury.

Wrist Tendonitis: One of the most common problems, wrist tendonitis occurs due to inflammation of the tendon sheath. Wrist Tendonitis usually causes pain and swelling around the wrist. Wrist tendonitis does not require any surgery.

Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis leads to pain and swelling in the back of heel. If it is diagnosed on time, one can avoid serious complications such as Achilles tendon rupture.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: Posterior tibial tendonitis normally affects people with symptoms on the inner side of the ankle. If Posterior Tibial Tendonitis is left untreated, it may lead to a flat foot.

Patellar (Kneecap) Tendonitis: Patellar Tendonitis (also known as Jumper’s Knee) is caused by the inflammation of the patellar tendon. Rest and anti-inflammatory medication are the treatments for Patellar tendonitis.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Rotator cuff tendonitis is caused by the inflammation of a particular area within the shoulder joint.

Tennis Elbow Tendonitis: Tennis elbow tendonitis affects people who play tennis or indulge in similar sports activities which involve extensive use of wrist and elbow muscles. This type of tendonitis causes pain on the outside region of the elbow.

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is termed as Achilles Tendonitis. The Achilles tendon is a large tendon connecting two major calf muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus, to the back of the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is one of many sports-related injuries that results from overexertion of any type (such as over-exercising and jumping).

Symptoms of Tendonitis:

• Pain anywhere along the back of the tendon
• Swelling of the tendon
• Limited ankle flexibility

Causes of Tendonitis:

Out of hundreds of tendons scattered throughout the human body, there are few specific tendons that have poor blood supply. These tendon areas  where blood supply is low are termed as “watershed zones”.  As these watershed zones are supplied with comparatively lesser volume of oxygen and nutrients, it makes these tendons prone to tissue damage and poor healing response. Sometimes, the tendon does not have a smooth path to glide which results in inflammation. Other well known causes of tendonitis are repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or a sudden serious injury. Incidentally, people aged between 40-60 years are known to be more susceptible to Achilles Tendonitis.

Other known causes of Tendonitis are:

• Incorrect posture at work or home
• Playing sports
• Body exertion or less recovery time between physical activities
• Change of footwear or uneven floor surface
• Poor stretching or conditioning before exercise
• An abnormal or dislocated bone or joint that stresses soft-tissue structures
• Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disorders, or unusual medication reactions

Top 7 ways for athletes to treat Achilles injuries:

Though tendonitis can be a serious problem, you can certainly treat and prevent it from recurring. Here are the top seven ways in which athletes can treat tendonitis:

1. Focus on Rest: First and most important step to treat tendonitis is to avoid activities that can aggravate it. Avoid practice sessions for a few days. This will help in healing of the inflamed tendon. You may also try alternative activities such as swimming.

2. Apply Ice Pack: One of the best treatments of tendonitis is to apply an ice-pack on the inflamed area. The temperature will control the inflammation and swelling of the affected area. Using an ice-pack will help heal the tendon more quickly.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Tendonitis can be treated by taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex. These medications can temporarily reduce the pain and swelling in the affected area.

4. Cortisone Injections: If tendonitis symptoms persist for long, some individuals opt to take cortisone injections. Injected directly into the inflamed area, cortisone injections may help  tendonitis that has not reacted at all to other treatments.

5. Wear a heel pad: By wearing heel pad, you can raise the heel and take some strain off the Achilles tendon. This is a temporary measure while the Achilles tendon is healing.

6. Running Shoes: Make sure you have right running shoes for your foot type and the sport.

7. Consult a sports professional: Take advice from someone whose profession deals with sports injury, treatment and rehabilitation.