Tendonitis

Tendonitis

Description

Tendonitis is a condition in which the tendon becomes inflamed. Tendons are the fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone or muscle to muscle. Irritation can occur on the tendon itself, or on the tendon liner called the tendonous sheath. Typically, irritation and inflammation occur in both areas simultaneously.

Signs and symptoms

Tendonitis usually makes the tendons feel painful and sensitive to the touch with every movement of the involved joint resulting in pain. Often, the joint is partially immobile as well. Pain and discomfort can become very severe if inflammation persists, and can spread to other joints and muscles. Tendonitis can create a “creaking,” noise, which is attributed to friction. If left untreated, bone enlargement around the affected tendon can also occur.

Types

There are two types of tendonitis. The first is inflammation of the tendons on their own, and the second is an inflammation of the tendonous sheath that lines the tendons.

Cause

Tendonitis can be attributed to reduced blood circulation in the tendons due to repeated or chronic trauma. The most common trauma is caused by excessive exercise or muscle strain. Certain diseases can also trigger tendonitis including rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, gout, Reiter`s affliction (an inflammatory syndrome), excessively high cholesterol levels, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Natural Remedies

Note: Treating tendonitis includes immobilization of the affected region, applying hot or cold compresses, oral and topical pain remedies, and physical rehabilitation exercises. Physical therapy exercises should be performed regularly as the joint heals.

Diet: Avoid white spud potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and all peppers. If limited for a long time, over a period of several years, this may be effective. Treating food allergies is essential, as irritation may be caused by food allergies.

Blossom Essences: Save Remedy Cream® applied topically over the impacted areas can calm pain and speed recovery.

Herbs: Mix equal parts of the tinctures of willow bark, cramp bark, and prickly ash and take up to three teaspoons of mixture per day.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic treatments include Aconite, Thuja, Ruta grav., Belladonna, and Apis mel.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Dietary Supplementation: Helpful nutrients for treating tendonitis include vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin E, bromelain, efa’s, cod liver oil, calcium supplements, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and D-phenylalanine.

Topical ointment Treatment: Massage the impacted areas with a combination of salt and vinegar, then wrap with several levels of gauze or muslin soaked with mixture.

Optional Professional Treatment: If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the help of the qualified health professional. The following expert treatments have all demonstrated the ability to deal with tendonitis: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Bodywork, Biofeedback Instruction, Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxing Therapy, Energy Medicine, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Nerve Therapy, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy, Phototherapy and Yoga. (See References for an explanation of these alternative therapies.)