| The goal of treatment is to reduce discomfort and restore function. Tendinitis caused by trauma, especially if it occurs suddenly (acute), is generally treated with rest, ice (cold therapy), compressive dressing, and elevation to control swelling (RICE). Heat rather than cold therapy may be used for acute forms of the condition, depending on patient response. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for pain and swelling. When the acute episode has passed, rehabilitation for strengthening and evaluation of individual factors that led to tendinitis may be needed to prevent recurrence.
Ongoing (chronic) tendinitis is treated by stopping the aggravating activity, initiating RICE therapy, and using NSAID medications. With chronic tendinitis, heat may be more effective than cold in therapy. Muscle strengthening may be recommended to restore normal function.
In the past, corticosteroids were injected into the tendon sheath to relieve pain and swelling in cases where conservative treatment failed or proved insufficient. However, this is associated with tendon rupture and should only be used in special circumstances. In extreme cases, surgery (excision, tenosynovectomy) may be needed to remove inflamed tissue or calcium deposits. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor