Tendinitis: It is a painful inflammation of the
tendons and of tendon muscle attachments to bone, usually in the hip, achilles
tendon, hamstring and the shoulder rotator cuff.
Tendinitis results from trauma, hypermobililty, postural misalignment,
abnormal body development, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
X-rays may show; calcium deposits, bony fragments, and
or osteophyte sclerosis ( osteophyte : a bony excrescence or outgrowth
) (sclerosis: hardening )
Arthrography (radiography of a joint after injection of opaque
contrast material ) may be done to see if it shows any irregularities on
the under surface of the tendon.
Symptoms:
-Restricted shoulder movement, especially abduction swelling
-Localized pain. The pain may intensified rather than get relief
from applying heat to area.
-Pain increasing more so at night
Calcific tendinitis includes proximal weakness and possibly
acute calcific bursitis.( Bursitis is a painful inflammation of one or
more of the bursae, ( Bursa: a fluid filled sac or sacllike cavity situated
in places in tissues where friction would otherwise occur)
Treatment:
Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain
Oral anti-inflammatory agents
Ultrasound
Application of cold and heat
Local injection of an anesthetic and corticosteroids to reduce
inflammation
For immediate pain relief, your doctor may give a mixture of
a corticosteroid and an anesthetic, such as lidocaine injection
For extended release your doctor may give an injections of a
corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone or prednisolone (it offers longer
pain relief
Rest and immobilization with a sling, splint or cast to affected
area.
Short term analgesics may be prescribed until the patient is
able to perform ROM easily
Supplementary treatment includes: fluid removal by aspiration,
physical therapy to preserve motion and to prevent frozen joints, heat therapy for calcific tendinitis and ice packs.
May need to change life style to prevent recurring joint
irritation
* If taking anti-inflammatory medications, take with milk to
minimize GI distress.
Call your doctor immediately if experiencing signs of distress.