Treatment Options for Tendonitis Pain

In most cases, tendonitis pain results from the overuse of tendons, the tissues that connect the human body’s muscles to the bones. Overuse or strain may cause tendons to strain, tear and become inflamed, resulting in the aching sensation and chronic discomfort felt around muscles, which is generally referred to as tendonitis pain. More than 4 million Americans visit doctors each year in search of pain relief for tendonitis. The key to receiving the best treatment is to first diagnose the problem and rule out any other underlying causes of the pain and then to decide on either a pharmaceutical, or a natural treatment plan.

How to Diagnose Tendonitis

Tendonitis pain is very similar to the stiffness, aching sensation and decrease in mobility associated with other more serious conditions, such as arthritis. Although the most likely cause of tendonitis is sports related injury or overuse, it is important to see a doctor if one suffers from chronic muscle or joint stiffness, as well as any chronic aches or pains. It is common for general practitioners to refer patients with tendonitis pain to a clinic where further diagnostic tests can be performed. The most commonly used tests include X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans.

Natural Treatment Solutions for Tendonitis Pain

Once a diagnosis of tendonitis has been made, patients can seek out a number of natural treatment options. Although anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can provide temporary pain relief, many doctors will recommend a natural, rather than a pharmaceutical treatment option in controlling tendonitis pain. Chiropractic treatments, as well as therapeutic and sports massage are common forms of alternative pain management for tendonitis.

Other Treatment Options

If natural treatments have failed to provide adequate relief from tendonitis pain, doctors may give the patient cortisone injections. It is not recommended, however, to resort to cortisone injections on a regular basis. If the pain associated with tendonitis does not improve, doctors may resort to minor surgery in order to provide more permanent relief.

A much newer form of treatment, developed during the 1990s, is so-called Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). This is a non-invasive form of treatment, which uses a special device to send low-level shock waves to the affected area of the body. ESWT treatment usually takes 20 minutes and does not cause any serious pain or discomfort, although some patients do report nausea immediately after treatments. When considering ESWT in treating tendonitis pain, it is important to remember that this form of treatment should not be combined with most prescription medications.

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