12/11, 2009
Exploring Different Types of Treatment for Tendon Strain and Associated Pain
Sports injuries are the most common activities that may cause tendon strain. The Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the anklebone are often injured by those who play basketball.
Rest and ice pack applications are some of the best treatments for this type of injury. Wrapping the area securely, but not too tight is helpful for the prevention of swelling and the relief of pain. Elevating the area while resting, may also help to reduce the discomfort of swelling and pain.
Putting stress on any tendon is likely to result in an injury if a repetitive activity is emphasized too much or if something happens to overstretch the tendon quickly. This would happen for example if a weightlifter continued to work out the tendon every day, regardless of the warning of pain. Pain indicates that rest is needed by the body in order to repair the injured tissue. To prevent tendon strain, a body must be conditioned for it. This is why too, even professional dancers stretch prior to rehearsal or a performance.
When someone has indeed suffered an injury or tendon strain, it’s often very easy to diagnose by looking at the loss of range of motion the patient is suffering. However, a physician needing further assessment may order required tests through the use of an MRI, ultrasound, or even x-rays. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will usually be prescribed as well.
After healing from surgery, through care is essential. A surgeon may suggest the stretching and strengthening with a daily exercise regimen for the injured muscles. Most often, exercises are done while in warm water to help prevent re-injuring the area. Sometimes you may need to visit a physical therapist to help ensure the proper maneuvers of such exercises. Therapy may involve more than just exercises. Depending on the cause of the injury, the use of soft tissue massages, stretching, running and gait re-education, or ultrasound therapy may be necessary. Various types of splints may be necessary or even the use of cortisone injections or perhaps a medicine for numbing the area may be required.
Physical therapy may include soft-tissue massage or mobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises, gait or running re-education or even ultrasound therapy. A surgeon or physician may recommend the use of special made shoes when there is damage to the Achilles tendon. These shoes may be special made to suit any particular activity. For instance, running shoes are different from basketball shoes. The appropriate type of shoe may assist in prevention of the condition reoccurring. Fifty percent of sports injuries involve tendon strain; therefore, it is essential to prevent such an injury.
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow are excellent examples of sports related injuries that are often created by misuse of the sport’s instrument. Tendon strain is quite common in these sports as well, and the treatment is the same as found above in those instances.
Tom Nicholson has spent years helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please click here to learn more about having asore wrist.