Common symptoms of tendonitis and tendon ruptures
- Pain and stiffness
- Mild swelling
- Tenderness
- Crunchy sound or feeling
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Aging
Tendon ruptures and tendonitis are more common in adults over 40 years of age. This is because tendons become less flexible over time and struggle to tolerate high loads of stress.
Overuse
The most common forms of tendonitis and ruptures come from playing tennis, jumping when playing basketball, and swinging golf clubs. When you repeat a particular movement over time, the habitual stress eventually takes a toll on your tendons, causing ruptures or inflammation.
Excessive strain or injury
A serious sports injury, fall, or accident places undue stress on your tendons, which can cause severe inflammation or a rupture. In addition, lifting a heavy object or overexerting yourself during exercise can rupture and inflame tendons.
Diagnosis of tendonitis and tendon ruptures
When you arrive for your appointment, your doctor will first ask you about when the pain started, what activity caused the discomfort, and what the pain feels like today. Next, your doctor will check the afflicted area, note any physical symptoms, and determine whether the injury is limiting your range of motion.
After gathering this data, your doctor may recommend capturing some X-rays to understand the scope and extent of your injury. The X-ray also helps your doctor rule out any other possible conditions, such as arthritis, stress fractures, or infection. Depending on the state of your injury, your doctor may request an MRI to properly diagnose the issue.
Steps to diagnosis
- Discussion
- Physical exam
- Imaging
What are my options?
Non-Surgical
The great news about tendonitis and tendon ruptures is that surgery is unnecessary for most cases. Applying ice and compression provides relief while resting, elevation, stretching, and modification of activities can also assist in a successful healing process. Your doctor might recommend taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain. They may also ask you to avoid activities or movements that aggravate the injured tendon.
Surgical
If your condition does not respond to other treatments, surgery may be required. Tendon ruptures should be treated with surgery early to prevent contracture and scarring that could lead to more complicated surgery. It is important to seek treatment urgently if you are concerned about a tendon rupture. Surgical repair of torn tendons often requires some form of immobilization post-operatively and a course of physical or occupational therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tendonitis and a tendon rupture?
Tendonitis involves tiny tears that occur over time, while a tendon rupture is more sudden and debilitating. When the connective tissues between your muscles and bones (the tendons) become inflamed, tendonitis occurs. Tendonitis is often caused by repetitive activities such as lifting heavy objects at work or playing a backhand in tennis. A ruptured tendon is often caused by one significant injury that tore the tendon during a moment of excess strain.
How can I prevent tendonitis and tendon ruptures?
There are a variety of stretches, activities, and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent tendon issues.
- Proper posture can help prevent tendon ruptures and tendonitis, so avoid staying in the same position for long periods and invest in an ergonomic workspace set up.
- Refrain from partaking in activities that place extra strain on your tendons or compromise your technique, form, and posture.
- Strengthening muscles can help them better withstand stress and inflammation down the road.
- If a particular activity is causing pain, switch up your routine by opting for low-impact exercises, such as biking or swimming.
- Make sure to stretch before and after exercising to maximize your range of motion and minimize repetitive strain on tight tissues.
