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Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon - the strong, white, fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone. Tendonitis can be associated with a calcium deposit, which can cause inflammation. It is one of the common causes of acute pain in the shoulder and can occur after an injury or as a result of repetitious movements. In rare cases, it may also result from a disease.
Causes & Development
Causes of tendonitis not mentioned elsewhere:- poorly-fitted shoes that rub against foot tendons
- bone spurs in the feet or elsewhere that irritate tendons
- obesity, which puts abnormal pressure on the legs and feet
- repeated overuse of the wrist, which can inflame the tendons
- overuse of the tendons in the shoulder, sometimes seen in swimmers or in the serving arm of a tennis player
- overuse of arm muscles, which can cause inflammation of tendons in the elbow, such as tennis or golfer's elbow.
Signs & Symptoms
Tendonitis usually causes one or more of the following symptoms: - a sharp or achy pain
- tenderness and swelling
- restricted movement in the area surrounding the injury
- weakness in the arm or leg due to pain.
Prognosis; Complications; Seek medical attention if
Acute tendonitis often subsides within 10 to 14 days.
In cases of achilles tendonitis, if the tendon becomes more painful with greater activity such as running or playing sports, there is a chance the tendon could rupture: if not taken care of, tendonitis can weaken tendons, making them more susceptible to a tear.
If the pain worsens or continues after home care for over 14 days, a doctor should be consulted.
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Conditions that suggest Tendonitis:
Recommendations and treatments for Tendonitis: | | | | | Drug |  Conventional Drug Avoidance | Cortisone shots may reduce the pain and assist in recovery, but will not regrow damaged tissue. Some doctors have made the claim, now supported by evidence, that cortisone shots can in fact weaken the structures being treated, and do not recommend them in spite of the temporary relief they may offer. (Care must be taken when injecting cortisone near any ligament or tendon: they must not be injected into.)
While the use of anti-inflammatories may reduce the swelling and pain, they also may hinder permanent recovery. Inflammation is part of the process for normal tendon regrowth. The chronic use of anti-inflammatories should be approached with caution. |
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Hormone |
 Natural Progesterone |
Lab Tests/Rule-Outs |
 Test Thyroid Function |
Mineral |
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)| | Natural agents that have been used in tendonitis include MSM orally for pain relief. |
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Skin |
DMSO Topically| | DMSO has been used successfully to reduce inflammation and pain. |
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Surgery/Invasive |
Prolotherapy| | Prolotherapy is the treatment of choice for any weakened ligament or tendon and its associated pain. Prolotherapy successfully regrows tendons and ligaments and reduces or eliminates pain from tendonitis. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Proven definite or direct link | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Fibrous Tissue
The tissue that forms tendons and ligaments.
Hypothyroidism (Hypothyroid)
Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, and sleepiness.
Progesterone
This is the hormone secreted after ovulation by the corpus luteum. It is a steroid (similar to a cholesterol), enters receptive cells to stimulate their growth, and acts as an anabolic agent. Estrogen should be viewed as the primary coat underneath all the cycles during a woman's reproductive years, with progesterone, its antagonist, surging for ten or twelve days in ovulatory months. Most of the actions of progesterone cannot occur without estrogen having previously induced the growth of progesterone-receptive binding sites.
Prolotherapy
A single or series of injections that stimulates the body to regrow, tighten, and strengthen ligaments or tendons. It is unequaled for pain relief and restoration of normal function for any body joint where connective tissue is weak or has been damaged.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons (structures that attach muscles to bones).
Vitamin E
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. As an antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, fats and vitamin A from destructive oxidation. It helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. For Vitamin E only, 1mg translates to 1 IU.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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