TENDONITIS

When you use a set of muscles too much, you're likely to strain the tendons (soft tissues) that connect those muscles to your bones. At first, pain or swelling may come and go quickly. But if you do too much too son, your muscles may overtire again. The strain may cause a tendon's outer covering to swell or small fibers in a tendon to pull apart. If you keep pushing your muscles, damage to the tendons adds up and tendonitis develops. Over time, pain and swelling may limit your activities. But with your doctor's help, tendonitis can be controlled. Both your symptoms and your risk of future problems can be reduced.

Treatment

Contrast media may help. Apply ice to the affected area for 3-5 minutes, then a moist heating pad for 15 minutes, followed by ice again for 3-5 minutes. Physical therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

Medications

Steroid derivatives may be injected to relieve inflammation.