To treat tendonitis effectively, a combination of self-care, medical treatments, and sometimes physical therapy is recommended:
Initial Home Treatment
- Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or stress to the affected tendon to allow healing. Complete bed rest is not necessary; you can engage in other activities that do not strain the tendon
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area for up to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms
- Compression: Use wraps or elastic bandages to reduce swelling and maintain joint motion
- Elevation: Raise the affected limb above heart level to decrease swelling, especially if the knee or leg is involved
Medications
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can help reduce inflammation and pain
- Corticosteroid injections may be used for short-term relief if other treatments are insufficient, but they are generally recommended cautiously due to potential side effects
Physical Therapy and Exercise
- After initial rest, gentle movement and stretching help maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness
- Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the tendon, improving flexibility, and correcting biomechanical issues. Eccentric loading exercises are often effective for chronic tendon problems
- Swimming and water exercises may be good low-impact options during recovery
Advanced Treatments
- Dry needling , platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections , and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) are emerging treatments that may stimulate tendon healing in more persistent cases
- Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail, especially if the tendon is severely damaged or torn
Summary
- Rest and avoid aggravating activities.
- Apply ice regularly.
- Use compression and elevation to reduce swelling.
- Take NSAIDs for pain and inflammation.
- Gradually begin physical therapy with stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Consider advanced therapies or injections if pain persists.
- Surgery as a last resort.
This approach balances symptom relief, promotes healing, and prevents further injury
