You may have heard of tendinitis, which can happen after you repeatedly sprain your ankle. Your tendon will swell up and become painful. Bursitis is similar to tendinitis, but it is when a small, fluid-filled sac in between bones and muscles, tendons, or skin becomes swollen. Picture kneeling for a long period of time and then feeling your knees start to hurt. These two conditions can become common the older we get. Physical therapy helps cure and prevent tendinitis and bursitis.
Kinds of Tendinitis and Bursitis
Athletes and people that work with their hands are more prone to developing these conditions. Some examples you may have heard of before include golfer’s elbow, pitcher’s shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, and Achilles tendinitis. To prevent bursitis and tendinitis in these areas, do not overuse and try not to strain your muscles. Strengthen your calf muscles to avoid swelling of the Achilles tendon. It is easier to hurt your Achilles by walking up a lot of stairs or a simple game of flag football that you do not play often. It seems like a sudden injury when your tendons or bursas swell. Although very excruciating and irritating, tendinitis and bursitis can be healed.
Diagnosing Tendinitis and Bursitis
First, your doctor will diagnose the issue by checking your medical history and examining the area where your pain begins. Know the answer to what makes the pain occur and what helps alleviate it. A selective tension tissue test may be used to figure out which tendon is causing your tendinitis. Some specialists may order an X-ray to check for broken bones just in case. Fluid may be taken from a bursa to see if there is any sign of infection.
How to Heal
After diagnosing the painful problem, your physical therapist can get to work on treating the tendinitis or bursitis.The first step to curing your discomfort is to reduce the swelling – remember RICE? Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation help to achieve this, along with some Tylenol. Achilles tendinitis can be helped with orthopedic care. Your physical therapist will give you a stretching regimen to practice daily to heal the tendinitis and possibly a brace or splint for bursitis. Massaging the tissue of the affected area is also a common practice of physical therapists.
If your condition is more serious and physical therapy does not help, a doctor may advise surgery or prescribe antibiotics for an infection. To learn more about physical therapy contact Life Fitness PT by calling 410.368.1026 or click here today.
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