The tendons are a flexible band of tissue used to connect your muscles to your bones. They are what give our muscles the ability to move our bones, giving our body movement. So when your tendons become sore and weak due to tendonitis, everyday tasks suddenly become a challenge. If you are suffering from tendonitis, follow these easy steps to help alleviate your pain:
1. Rest
The first way to alleviate tendonitis pain is by resting the injured tendon for a few days. Tendonitis is often caused from overworking the tendon; so if you are exercising or doing a repetitive motion such as typing, try taking a break for a little while. Sometimes all it takes is a few days of rest to get back to normal.
2. Ice
If after a few days of rest the pain is still persistent, try applying an ice pack to the afflicted area. Ice will reduce the swelling in your tendon and relieve some of the pain. Place ice in a large plastic bag wrapped with a towel. Apply to the sore area for 5 to 20 minutes, several times a day.
3. Take a Pain Reliever
An over the counter pain reliever may be all you need to dull the pain of tendonitis. Try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen. It will temporarily relieve your pain and help reduce the inflammation in your tendon.
4. Wear a Brace or a Sling
Sometimes, your hurting tendon needs to be kept still in order to heal. Try using a sling or brace on your tendon to give it added support. Not only will it help the inflamed tendon to heal, but it will also prevent overuse so you don’t accidentally make the injury worse.
5. Seek Professional Help
If at-home treatments and remedies don’t work, give Coastal Orthopedics a call. Tendonitis is a debilitating and painful condition. In some cases, it may even need medical or surgical intervention to alleviate. At Coastal, we have all the skills and resources to treat your tendonitis. Don’t let pain hold you back!
