Tendonitis

Tendonitis typically develops gradually, beginning with mild, occasional pain that slowly but surely worsens. If you don’t seek early treatment from Austin Yeargan III, MD, at Carolina Joint and Arthritis in Wilmington, North Carolina, you’re at risk of developing progressive tendon damage, increasing pain, and loss of mobility. Dr. Yeargan provides comprehensive care for tendonitis, including physical therapy and regenerative treatments that ease your pain the best way possible: by healing the tendon. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online at the first signs of tendonitis.

What causes tendonitis?

Tendonitis is an inflamed, swollen tendon. Tendons are incredibly strong cords connecting muscles to bones. When your muscles contract, they pull the tendon, which moves the bone. As a result, tendons bear substantial stress that leads to microtears and inflammation.

You’re most likely to develop tendonitis if you:

• Pull the tendon (a strain)
• Perform repetitive movements
• Engage in excessive athletic training
• Have an inflammatory condition
• Develop calcium deposits on the tendon
• Increase the intensity of your exercise program

The inflammation caused by daily activities and athletics heals if you rest the muscle. Without rest, the inflammation worsens. Chronic inflammation leads to tearing and scar tissue.

What type of tendonitis might I develop?

The most common types of tendonitis are as follows:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Pitcher’s elbow
• Swimmer’s shoulder
• Jumper’s knee
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Biceps tendonitis
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (affects the tendons attached to your thumb)

No matter where tendonitis develops, Dr. Yeargan treats the problem with therapies that reduce inflammation and promote healing.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Tendonitis typically causes pain that gradually increases and worsens when using the muscle. You may have tenderness and noticeable swelling along the tendon or experience a catching sensation in the affected joint.

How is tendonitis treated?

Treatment for tendonitis typically begins with conservative therapies, such as:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Immobilization (splint, sling, or crutches)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Anti-inflammatory medications

Many people overcome tendonitis with these treatments, but if your pain persists and your tendonitis doesn’t improve, you can count on Dr. Yeargan’s expertise in regenerative therapies to heal the damaged tendon. He may recommend:

Orthobiologics

Dr. Yeargan pioneered advances in orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Platelets release growth factors that activate cell healing activities and support the regeneration and repair of damaged tendons. He improves your results by adding concentrated TSG-6 proteins to your PRP. TSG-6 proteins fight inflammation and generally support healing.

Tenex Health TX procedure (Tenex)

The Tenex procedure uses ultrasound energy to remove inflamed and damaged tendon tissues and activate healing. Dr. Yeargan uses a needle-like device inserted through your skin to deliver the energy. In about fifteen minutes, the treatment is done, and you go home with a bandage over the tiny incision.

Call Carolina Joint and Arthritis or use online booking to schedule an appointment today and start your recovery from painful tendonitis.