Tendonitis

Tendons are hard, fibrous connective tissues which attaches muscles to bones. Tendons are present in the entire human body. Tendonitis takes place at the time when the tendon fails to perform a smooth gliding motion and becomes inflamed. Tendonitis can be cured easily if diagnosed in an early stage.

Common Causes Of Tendonitis

Repetitive Strain

The most common type of tendonitis is derived from repetitive strain. Individuals that work in factory line production can develop tendonitis due to the repetitive nature of their work, for example. Moreover, sports professionals (golfers, football players, basketball players, runners etc.) can develop tendonitis from the movements in their sport that are repetitive.

A Person's Age

As our bodies gets older, changes take place. Our tendons, for example, become harder and some of their elasticity is lost. This means that some flexibility is lost over time and we are not as capable as moving, compared to our younger years. The cause of tendonitis as a result of the aging process is still not fully understood, but it is suggested that as our bodies age our tendons are effected by changes in our blood vessels.

Too much strain

Strength athletes and bodybuilders can often times complain of tendonitis due the excessive strain on the tendon. This is the leading cause of tendonitis among individuals in these two groups. Tendonitis can develop when a person fails to warm up properly, or simply places the tendon under a strain or load that it can not handle. This tendonitis can be easily avoided by using correct training techniques.

Injury

It is not uncommon for tendonitis to develop in conjunction with another tendon or joint injury that has occurred. For example, knee tendonitis can be developed after having knee surgery or after a collision in which the knee has been struck. In these cases, the fact that the injury has not healed, can be a reason for the inflamed tendon. It is suggested that proper rest and the use of a well designed knee brace be used to help prevent future injury tendons or ligaments in your knee.

What to do during a tendonitis flare up

The first thing you should do is refrain from the activity that is causing the tendon to be inflamed. Rest is crucial after such an incident. You can also brace the affected area to protect it from further inflammation. Knee braces are effective because they are known to reduce knee pain, and help provide support by limiting the movements that can cause tendonitis.