Home Remedies and Herbs for Tendinitis

Tendons are a type of tissue that connects bones to muscle.¹ Tendinitis occurs when tendons become inflamed or irritated.² Tendinitis is painful and commonly occurs in the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, or wrists.¹ The condition goes by many nicknames depending on which joint it occurs in. Just some names include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and jumper’s knee.¹ There are several types of tendinitis, including acute tendinitis, which occurs suddenly.¹ Without treatment, this can turn into long-lasting, chronic tendinitis.¹ Another form of tendinitis, called calcific tendinitis, occurs when calcium builds up in the joints.¹ This usually affects people with chronic conditions like diabetes.¹

What Causes Tendinitis?

Tendinitis is typically caused by overuse or injury of the tendon.³ Lifestyle factors such as overuse of the tendons when playing sports and repetitive movements in your job, such as typing, can lead to tendinitis.¹ Lifting heavy objects, experiencing a fall, or repeated injury are also among tendinitis causes.¹ Sudden injury can also cause tendinitis.⁵ Because most people with tendinitis develop it due to their jobs or hobbies, it’s important to use proper techniques in performing your job or playing sports. If you play sports, warming up before vigorous exercise can help you avoid developing tendinitis.³ Risk also increases for patients with conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis as well as in individuals with infection or those who are overweight or obese, as the extra weight puts pressure on tendons, muscles, and bones.^1,3 Age also plays a role since tendons become less flexible the older you get, making them more prone to injury.⁵

Tendinitis Symptoms

Tendinitis symptoms appear just outside the joint where the tendons attach to bone.6 These symptoms include:⁶

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Pain after periods of motion

Talk to your doctor if your pain begins to interfere with your daily life. Tendonitis is diagnosed through a physical exam.³ It’s commonly treated through medications and physical therapy, though it can worsen to the point where patients rupture the tendon and require surgery.² Long-term swelling increases the chance of further injury, which is why it’s important to treat the condition right away and seek medical attention if tendinitis symptoms persist. Other treatment options include rest and lifestyle changes.³ If your tendinitis is caused by a sudden injury, it helps to apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling.¹ Massaging the site can also help. Tendinitis herbs may help in easing the pain, reducing inflammation, and assisting in healing.

References

1. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/tendinitis
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/basics/definition/con-20020309
3. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/tendinitis
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/basics/causes/con-20020309
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20020309
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/basics/symptoms/con-20020309