Tendonitis is caused due to the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are fibrous tissues that attach the muscles to the bones. They are delicate and susceptible to injury when acute stress is placed on them. An injury to a tendon can bring about joint pain and tenderness. It is very common around the various joints of the body like the elbows, knees, wrists, hips and heels. Here are some natural ways and remedies by which you can treat tendonitis.
Tips To Cure Tendonitis
Acupuncture
It is believed that pain anywhere in the body is caused due to blocked energy pathways of the body. The blockages often lead to pain. This is easily reversed when the pathways are unblocked by inserting some needles into the energy pathways. How acupuncture actually works is highly debatable. However, it is said to be effective in the treatment of tendonitis. Acupuncture also works by releasing certain opioids that are said to bring about a certain degree of pain relief. Do consult with your doctor before trying out acupuncture. The side effects of acupuncture include bruising, pain and bleeding at the puncture sites.
Transverse Friction Massage
This is a special massage technique that is used to give relief from tendonitis. It reduces pain and enhances blood circulation to the affected area. It also prevents the formation of scar tissue. Make sure that you avail the benefits of this massage only from a trained masseur otherwise; you are likely to aggravate the problem and compound it.
Ice The Injury
Icing the affected area can help to reduce the pain brought on by tendonitis. Ice the area using cold packs. For this, take some ice in a plain muslin cloth and place the pack on the area of pain for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this procedure every 1 hour or so. This will reduce the initial swelling and pain that occurs immediately after an injury.
Rest
Avid sportsmen and athletes are very prone to developing tendonitis. For example, tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis that occurs in tennis players. It is important to rest the tendon injury so that it recovers and heals completely. You must completely stop any form of physical exertion that could aggravate the injury. Take rest and follow the advice of the doctor so that you are able to resume sports after full recovery.
Immobilize The Area
A tendon injury can be extremely painful, so it is necessary to prevent it from further strain. Keep the area immobilized by using a splint or a bandage. Restrict free movement of the affected body part.
Take OTC Painkillers
OTC painkillers like ibuprofen are very effective against tendon pain. Just make sure that you do not pop the pills indiscriminately as they can cause kidney stones and associated problems. Take recommended painkillers in their correct dosages as advised by the doctor. This will enable you to manage pain especially in the initial days of the injury.
Topical Ointments
Rub any anti-inflammatory, topical ointment on the painful region. Use good ointments like oxyflex or moov, which are commonly used to treat joint pains, and muscle pulls. Ask a trusted friend or family member to rub it for you. Apply gentle pressure on the area so that the ointment seeps well into the skin and gives you immediate relief. Use the ointment 3-4 times a day for best results.
Hot Water Bottles
Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, you can use a hot water bottle and rest the affected area on the bottle. This will enhance blood circulation to the affected area and bring about immediate relief. Sleep with a towel placed underneath the hot water bottle to prevent skin scalding and burning.
Bandage It
Wrap a compression bandage around the inflamed tendon. This will help to immobilize it and secure it in place. This promotes faster healing and recovery.
Whole Foods
Eat a diet that consists of fresh, whole and organic foods. Eat nutritious fruits, cruciferous vegetables and whole grains as these are all anti-inflammatory and prevent your injury from flaring up. At the same time, you also need to avoid eating foods that could trigger inflammation like meats, sausages and other meats like poultry. A healthy diet that is full of vitamins and minerals is likely to benefit you more.
Fish
Fish has the vital omega-3 fatty acids that work against reducing muscle tension and inflammation. If you are actively into sports, you will benefit immensely from eating a diet that is rich in fatty fish like salmon. Fish has anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal the site of the injury.
Use The Correct Equipment To Prevent Tendonitis
Use good quality sporting equipment while engaging in sports as this prevents major injuries. Use good form and posture while training with weights. Always use a spotter to spot you while you perform a new exercise or increase your weights. This will go a long way in preventing injuries and tendonitis.
Stay Active, Fit And Keep Exercising
One way of preventing injuries is to stay physically active and make consistent efforts to strengthen the muscles of the body. Over a period of time, regular, consistent and disciplined exercise will strengthen your body and prevent it from succumbing to muscle pulls and injuries.
Do Plenty Of Cardio
Do plenty of cardio for overall health. Cardiovascular efficiency ensures proper blood circulation to the injured area and ensures complete healing. On the other hand, if you are unfit, your injuries will also take time to heal.
Cortisone Injections
In very severe cases, where the pain becomes unbearable, it makes a lot of sense to use cortisone injections to reduce the swelling and the pain. This is only used in rare cases.
Surgery
Surgery is used as a last resort when the tendon has undergone significant wear and tear and needs to be operated upon surgically to repair the tear. With the help of these cures and preventive steps, you will be able to recover and heal completely from tendonitis. Take proper precautions during exercise and after an injury. Use exercise therapy to help strengthen the surrounding tendons and ligaments.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.