Related articles: Tendonitis
Definition
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon.
Tendons are structures that connect bones to muscles. They are formed by elastic connective tissue, but at the same time very resistant, and have the function of transmitting to the bone the strength developed by the muscle. There are about 4000 in the human body.
Often, tendinitis develops as a result of repeated stresses that end up damaging the fibers that make up the tendon. Important traumas, stretching, postural defects and physical exercise with the abuse of particular joints and muscle groups (tennis players, dancers etc.) can also contribute.
The risk of tendinitis can also increase in the presence of systemic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. Furthermore, some quinolone antibiotics and repeated corticosteroid infiltrations may increase the risk of tendinopathy and tendon rupture.
Tendinitis most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows (eg epicondylitis or "tennis elbow"), hands, wrists, knees and ankles (Achilles tendon).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Knee pain
- Elbow pain
- Foot pain
- Heel pain
- Hip pain
- Groin pain
- Hand and wrist pain
- Shoulder pain
- Arm pain
- Articolar pains
- Tingling in the right arm
- Tingling in the Left Arm
- Joint swelling
- Metatarsalgia
- Nodule
- Rheumatism
- Joint stiffness
- Articular noises
- Articular Pouring
Further indications
Tendonitis manifests itself with pain on movement and palpation. Sometimes, if the inflammation extends to the tendon sheaths, it can be associated with a swelling of the inflamed tendon (as, for example, happens in the Achilles tendon); moreover, the corresponding area is warm to the touch and, rarely, red.
Tendonitis may also be associated with the formation of nodules (eg wrist tendonitis) and calcifications. There is also a deficit in the strength of the muscles connected to the inflamed tendons, as well as experiencing a limitation in the movements of the joint involved.
Tendonitis is diagnosed through a clinical examination of the patient, associated with imaging (echography, nuclear magnetic resonance, etc.). The therapy includes rest, use of ice on the affected area and intake of anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain becomes extremely intense, it is possible to resort to injections of corticosteroids. In tendon injuries, however, surgical repair treatment is required.
