Learning the Different Types of Tendonitis

If you’ve ever suffered from tendonitis, you know it can be a painful condition that can affect many of your daily activities in a negative way. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon due to repetitive or heavy use. The tendons are flexible, nonelastic fibrous collagen tissues that connect the muscles to the bone. They normally perform their important tasks without any trouble. However, when they become stressed by overuse, the result can be painful inflammation which often requires rest and anti-inflammatory drugs to overcome.

While there are hundreds of tendons throughout the human body, there are six areas that are common sites for the condition. One common part of the body where tendonitis has been known to flare is in the ankle. If you think you are suffering from tendonitis in that region, you should consult with orthopedic foot and ankle doctors in The Woodlands, TX. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the six different types of tendonitis and where the condition is likely to strike.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel. Because of its frequent use and tendency towards overuse during the pursuit of athletic activities, it’s a common site for tendonitis. Though Achilles tendonitis is a common sports injury, it also can be caused by wearing improper shoes that don’t properly support the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis patients are frequent sufferers of Achilles tendonitis.

Supraspinatus Tendonitis

The supraspinatus tendon is found in the top of the shoulder, and when it becomes inflamed it can become difficult to lift one’s arm. It can make comfortable sleep difficult and can eventually become compounded into rotator cuff syndrome if nearby tendons in the shoulder also become inflamed as well.

Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

This condition, sometimes called lateral or medial epicondylitis, is the result of inflammation of tendons in the elbow and manifests as significant pain in the inner or outer portion of the elbow. If the pain is in the outer elbow, it is known as tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. Likewise, if the pain radiates from the inner portion of the elbow, it’s known as golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis. The pain can radiate as far down as the wrist and is often magnified when the elbow is moved against weight or the direction of the arm changes rapidly.

De Quervain’s Stenosing Tenosynovitis

With this condition, it is the sheath that surrounds the tendon connecting the thumb and wrist that becomes inflamed and causes problems for those who suffer from it. The sheath becomes swollen with inflammation, which can make moving the thumb painful.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a form of tendonitis that occurs in the fingers and is manifested by a finger that clicks upon straightening or locks in a bent position. It’s caused by inflamed tendon sheaths in the hands that prevent the tendon from moving, which also causes the finger to freeze momentarily.

Tendonitis of the Wrist

The wrist features many complex tendon structures, and as a result, tendonitis can commonly be found there. It can happen as a result of repetitive actions using the hands such as playing table tennis, typing on a keyboard, or performing factory work. The tendons become inflamed and cause radiating pain within the wrist.

If you believe you suffer from tendonitis, it’s important that you get medical treatment rather than ignoring it. For example, in some cases of Achilles tendonitis, foot and ankle surgery may be necessary. If you believe you may be suffering from a form of tendonitis, make an appointment with the specialists at Ankle & Foot Specialists of Conroe and The Woodlands.