With each step you take, you depend on a big tendon that links your heel to your calf. This tendon, your Achilles tendon, is exceptionally vital in maintaining your mobility. Whereas this robust ring of tissue is particularly able to endure the power of your gait as you run or walk, overuse could have a negative impact. Specifically, it could result in swelling and irritation of your tendon, which culminates into Achilles tendonitis. If it remains unaddressed, this issue could get so severe that it renders you immobile. The orthopedic specialists at Genesis Orthopedic and Spine are here to ensure that does not happen by providing a range of conservative care options. If you suspect that your Achilles tendon in Westfield is affected, read on to learn more and discover what treatment may help you alleviate your concerns.
What Exactly Is Tendonitis?
Tendons are strong, fibrous bands of collagen and tissues that link your muscles and bones. They connect these bodily components like rubber bands, allowing you to move freely and remain active.
However, suppose one of these bands is injured due to an accident, like a vehicle accident, or repetitive action, such as swimming, jogging, or tennis. In that case, the tendon becomes irritated and swollen, resulting in tendonitis.
What Are The Common Causes Of Tendonitis?
Tendonitis can affect anyone at any time. On the other hand, some risk factors heighten your chances of developing this problem.
One key risk factor is age. With aging, your tendons and soft tissues’ flexibility reduces. As such, you are more prone to injuries, such as tendonitis.
Additional risk factors for acquiring tendonitis include:
- Sports constituting repetitive movements, including baseball, running, golf, swimming, etc.
- Occupations that require severe vibrations, repetitive motions, and constant heavy energy, such as landscaping, construction, and jackhammering.
- Physical problems that exert pressure on your tendons, including psoriatic arthritis, gout, and arthritis
- Poor technique and posture when doing repetitive activities like gardening, shoveling, raking, and scrubbing
- Overusing your tendon without sufficient fitness or overdoing infrequent or new activities. For instance, jogging several miles after leading an inactive lifestyle
Although tendonitis can affect any area of your body where a tendon connects muscle and bone, some of the most commonly affected regions include the thumb, elbow, knee, hip, and shoulder.
How Can You Tell If You Have Tendonitis?
Often, individuals have trouble determining whether their pains and aches result from tendonitis. The very first sign is typically a dull aching around or in the damaged joint. Thus, most folks mistake it for another issue, such as osteoarthritis.
Tendonitis pain can manifest itself in various ways based on the inherent reason for one’s inflammation. Some people have pain that builds over time, whereas others have pain that comes on suddenly.
Nevertheless, some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of tendonitis include:
- Inflammation, redness, or heat in the area of the afflicted joint
- As the tendon moves, it feels as if it is grinding or breaking the bone
- Notice a swelling or bulge on the afflicted tendon
In an extreme situation, tendonitis could result in a rupture. If you have a ruptured tendon, you will experience trouble moving the afflicted joint.
Tendonitis can cause the tendon to rupture in extreme situations. You will have trouble moving the affected joint if you have a ruptured tendon.
Are you uncertain if your symptoms are indicative of tendonitis? Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation at Genesis Orthopedic and Spine. Employing conservative therapies such as athletic taping or bracing, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Fat/Adipose therapy, etc., the orthopedic experts can help manage your symptoms and reclaim your mobility. Call the office or request an appointment online today to discover the right treatment option for you.
