A common condition behind many overuse injuries is tendinitis, the inflammation of a ~tendon~. A ~tendon~ is a cord or band of dense, rough, inelastic, white, fibrous tissue, serving to connect a muscle with a bone or part. It is also known as sinew. Another condition caused by overuse is called bursitis, the inflammation of a bursa, the pouch or sac that facilitates motion, as between a ~tendon~ and a bone.
Equipment and technique are important in the prevention of tendinitis, as are stretching and strengthening routines. A vigorous schedule of physical conditioning before getting into a regular sports program and warming up adequately before practice or competition will help eliminate the onset of tendinitis. For prevention of bursitis, wear warm clothing in cold weather, use protective gear for contact sports, and add additional protection to the affected area until healing is complete. It is also important to learn the proper moves and techniques for your sport. For example, an improperly executed backhand is often the cause of tennis elbow. And if tendinitis or bursitis are diagnosed, prolonged healing time may be required or further complications may arise, if activity is resumed too soon.
Achilles ~Tendon~ injuries rank among the most common overuse injuries in athletes, and are among the most difficult to treat. Because these injuries can range from tendinitis to severe ruptures, it is important to recognize their signs and symptoms early for proper diagnosis and treatment. The signs and symptoms of Achilles ~Tendon~ tendinitis include inflammation of the vascular sheath surrounding the ~tendon~, accompanied by pain described as a mild burning or prickly heat sensation about 1-3 inches in the Achilles ~tendon~ above the heel bone. At this stage, treatment includes stretching, ice treatment after running, avoiding hilly courses, avoiding irritating shoes, and use of |aspirin|. If symptoms do not resolve after two weeks, professional care is recommended. If the signs and symptoms grow beyond the acute stage described above, seek medical advice. The problem may be considered subacute, requiring 2-6 weeks to heal, or chronic, requiring greater than 6 weeks' duration, both under a doctor's care.
Tennis elbow, elbow tendinitis, is the inflammation of the muscles, ~tendons~, bursa or covering to the bones at the elbow. Signs and symptoms include pain and tenderness which worsens with gripping or rotating the forearm; a weak grip; and pain when twisting the hand and arm, as when using a screwdriver, pushing off when skiing, playing tennis, bowling, golfing, or throwing a ball with a twist. A doctor's diagnosis and treatment are necessary, and physical therapy may be required. Tennis elbow usually heals with heat treatments, corticosteroid injections and rest of the elbow, all of which may require 3-6 months. It may also be necessary to wear a forearm splint to immobilize the elbow for a time.
Elbow bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa sac at the |elbow joint|, the radio-humeral bursa. It may vary in degree from a mild irritation to an abscess formation that causes excruciating pain. Signs and symptoms include pain at the elbow, tenderness, swelling, |fever| if ~infection~ is present, and limited elbow movement. A doctor's diagnosis and treatment are required; use of a sling to support the |elbow joint| may be needed. Sometimes surgery may be necessary for a frozen elbow or a severely infected joint that drains to the outside. Symptoms usually subside in 3-4 weeks with treatment. If a serious ~infection~ is present and surgery is needed, allow 6-8 weeks for healing.
Shoulder tendinitis is the inflammation of a ~tendon~ or lining of a ~tendon~ sheath in the shoulder. Signs and symptoms include constant pain or pain with motion of the shoulder; limited motion of the shoulder; redness and tenderness over the injured ~tendon~; and a "crackling" sound when the ~tendon~ moves or is touched. A doctor's diagnosis and treatment are necessary; use of a sling to rest the shoulder may be needed. Sometimes surgery is required to enlarge the tunnel of the ~tendon~ covering to restore a smooth gliding motion. Shoulder tendinitis is usually curable in about 6 weeks with heat treatments, corticosteroid injections and rest of the inflamed area.
Shoulder bursitis, generally, is the inflammation of one of the bursas in the shoulder. Bursitis may vary in degree from mild irritation to an abscess formation that causes excruciating pain. As there are three or more types of shoulder bursitis, discussion will be of a general nature. Signs and symptoms include shoulder pain, tenderness, swelling, |fever| if ~infection~ is present, and limitation of shoulder motion. A doctor's diagnosis and treatment are necessary; a sling to support the |shoulder joint| may be needed. To prevent a frozen shoulder, begin normal, slow joint movement as soon as possible. Mild, acute bursitis is a common, but not serious, problem and symptoms usually subside within 7-14 days with treatment. Chronic bursitis can cause recurrent flare-ups and up to 6-8 months to heal.
Jumper's knee, patellar tendinitis, is the inflammation of the ~tendon~ which connects the |patella|, or kneecap, to the lower leg. Signs and symptoms include pain just below the kneecap; point tenderness and some swelling just below the kneecap; and at times a small defect can be noted in the ~tendon~. A doctor's diagnosis and treatment are necessary; the use of a brace that places pressure over that area can be helpful. Sometimes surgery may be required to remove the degenerated and inflamed portion of the ~tendon~ and, if necessary, reattach the ~tendon~ to the kneecap. This problem does not always resolve with routine care because of the amount of stress placed on the area and the poor vascular supply to the ~tendon~. If you notice the onset of pain in the |patella| ~tendon~, easing the activities that can cause pain, jumping and kicking, and use of ice, heat, and anti-inflammatories will help cure the problem of additional aggravation.
Knee bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa in the knee. Bursitis may vary in degree from mild irritation to an abscess formation that causes excruciating pain. Signs and symptoms include pain, especially when moving the knee; tenderness; swelling; redness; |fever| if ~infection~ is present; and limited motion in the knee. A doctor's diagnosis and treatment are necessary; |crutches| to prevent weight-bearing on the knee may be needed. To prevent a frozen knee, begin normal, slow knee movement as soon as possible. Knee bursitis is often a chronic problem. Symptoms may subside with treatment, but flare-ups are common. If surgery becomes necessary, allow 6-8 weeks for healing.
