The cause of tendonitis is due to the overuse, injury, infection, of the loss of elasticity in the tendons. The cause of tendonitis may also be related to diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
Often, the cause of tendonitis is not known. Tendonitis occurs mainly in the tendons of the wrists, heel, shoulder, or elbows; however it can also show up in any tendon in the body. The most common type of tendonitis is Achilles tendonitis due to over pronation. This occurs when stress is placed on the Achilles tendon while walking, but it may also occur due to improper shoes, not stretching the Achilles tendon properly, a previous injury, or a deformity in the bone of the heel.
Rotator cuff tendonitis, also known as bursitis, or impingement syndrome, occurs when the rotator cuff gets irritated on the undersurface of the acromion. The reason this occurs is a source of some debate. Some people are born with a hooked acromion that will predispose them to this problem. Others have rotator cuff weakness that causes the humerus to ride up and pinch the cuff. Eventually the bursa becomes inflamed.
Common signs of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain located primarily on top and in the front of the shoulder. Mild to moderate weakness is very common, especially when overhead activity is performed. On occasion, bursitis that occurs with rotator cuff tendonitis can cause a mild popping or crackling sensation in the shoulder.
Often the diagnosis is suggested by the symptoms. The orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician will have the patient perform various maneuvers to detect rotator cuff tendonitis. The physical examination is designed to test motion, strength, and certain positions of pain.
In addition, plain x-rays can show a spur on the undersurface of the acromion. An MRI is often ordered if a rotator cuff tear is suspected. Treatment for tendonitis of the rotator cuff includes resting the injured shoulder from the activities that caused the problem and from the activities that cause pain. Ice packs applied to the shoulder and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help reduce inflammation and pain.
NSAIDs are drugs which help to reduce pain and swelling associated with tendonitis, whilst also decreasing stiffness. When taken in a low dose, NSAIDs control pain, but higher doses are required to reduce inflammation.
NSAIDs inhibit the blood’s ability to clot properly and may interact with blood thinning medications. Kidney disease has also been reported as a side effect with this medication. Oral corticosteroid drugs are frequently used to treat extreme inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
To avoid excessive stress on joints, people should use their back, arms, and legs to avoid putting extra stress on their joints. Acetaminophen can be purchased without a prescription and does not decrease the tendon damage. However caution should be used when taking this medication as overdose has been found to cause liver damage. Long term use is also thought to cause kidney disease.
