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Tendonitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon, often known as tendonitis. It occurs when a person overuses tendons while engaging in sports activities. There are many activities that can cause tendonitis like tennis, golf, painting, gardening, house cleaning, carpentry, throwing and pitching. Anyone can get tendonitis, but it can be observed mostly in adults above 40 years. Tendons are connective tissues which run between muscles and bones. Although their main role is to relieve muscle strain. The excess activity might lead to injuries.
Tendonitis can cause anywhere in the body including the elbows, ankles and knees. Most cases can be treated with rest, ice application and painkillers in case of severity. A tendon can become inflamed as a result of repetitive and excessive exercise. This inflammation is known as tendonitis.
Tendons are collagen fibre bonds that connect muscles to bones. They are flexible. Tendons are normally tough and can relieve some of the strain on muscles. The damaged collagen fibre gets hardened and develops tissue scars which reduce mobility. Some common tendonitis is – Achilles tendonitis.
Tendonitis symptoms can vary. Some of the symptoms are:
- Swelling
- Grating feeling
- Pain in moving joints
- Pain in the affected tendon
Repeated injuries can cause tendonitis. In that case, we suggest you consult your healthcare provider. He may ask you for a physical examination or for some tests. Proper physical rest can provide you relief from inflammation. If you are a sports person then avoid physical activity. Proper bandages and braces can help you to reduce pain.
You can apply hot and cold therapy. Ice Packs application in affected areas can be a great heal to your pain. Apply ice cubes for 15-20 minutes twice or thrice daily to reduce inflammation. You can also use hot compresses with hot wet towels and you can take a warm bath. If you feel pain after home treatment, you must take medical help. They may use Cortisone injections, phonophoresis(an ultrasonic treatment) or can give pain killers like aspirin. ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medicines will help you with tendinitis.
Some preventive measures you can take while having tendinitis. Like- stop any physical activity if you feel pain. Don’t carry heavy objects. Maintain proper body posture in every activity. Avoid the same position for more than 30 minutes. Tendonitis may take some weeks or months to recover, depending on severity.
Home remedies to treat tendonitis
There are some natural home remedies to treat tendonitis easily at home. Those are Turmeric, Ginger, Castor oil, Epsom salt, Apple cider vinegar, Cayenne pepper etc.
 1. TurmericÂ
Take one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one glass of hot milk. Mix them well and drink them regularly before bedtime. You can also apply turmeric paste directly to the affected area. Turmeric contains curcumin which contains anti-inflammatory healing properties.
2. Ginger
Take two inches of ginger and one cup of hot water. Let the ginger infuse in water for 5 minutes and sip it hot. Consume it twice daily. Ginger contains gingerol which manages pain and inflammation.
3. Castor oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain. You will require one tablespoon of cold compressed castor oil and a warm compress. Take one tablespoon of cold compressed castor oil in your palm and massage in the affected area. Place a warm compress over it for about 15 minutes and rinse the oil. Do this method twice daily.
4. Epsom salt
Take some Epsom salt and mix it with your bath water. Let it dissolve. Take this bath once every single day. Epson salt contains magnesium sulphate which helps in reducing inflammation and swelling.
5. Apple cider vinegar
You can drink apple cider vinegar with one glass of water daily or you can apply apple cider vinegar-soaked cloth to the affected area to treat tendonitis.
6. Cayenne pepper
Take one teaspoon of pepper and lukewarm olive oil. Massage gently in the affected area. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off. It contains capsaicin which helps in analgesic activities that reduce pain and inflammation.
