Different Types of Treatment for Tendon Strain

By Tom Nicholson

Sports injuries are the most common activities that may cause tendon strain. The Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the anklebone are often injured by those who play basketball.

Rest and ice pack applications are some of the best treatments for this type of injury. Wrapping the area securely, but not too tight is helpful for the prevention of swelling and the relief of pain. Elevating the area while resting, may also help to reduce the discomfort of swelling and pain.

If you are not careful, overstretching the tendon with repetitive action, while putting excessive on the area can cause damage to the tendons and cause pain and swelling. For instance, a weightlifter may cause his or her injuries by neglecting the warning signs of pain, since the body sends painful warning when it is overworked and stressed and in need of rest and recuperation time. You can condition the body for tendon strain beforehand by doing stretching and strengthening exercises as do professional dancers.

When someone has indeed suffered an injury or tendon strain, it's often very easy to diagnose by looking at the loss of range of motion the patient is suffering. However, a physician needing further assessment may order required tests through the use of an MRI, ultrasound, or even x-rays. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will usually be prescribed as well.

Through care is vital after healing from surgery, therefore your surgeon may recommend the use of daily stretching and strengthening exercises. Exercising in warm water may help to prevent re-injuring the area. Visiting a physical therapist to learn the proper exercise techniques is ideal. However, therapy may include more that exercises, depending on the cause of the injury. Stretching, running and gait re-education as well as soft tissue massages and ultrasound therapy may be recommendable. Different types of splints may be useful as are, numbing medication or cortisone injections.

Soft-tissue massage or mobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises, gait or running re-education or even ultrasound therapy may be included in the physical therapy. Your physician or surgeon may suggest wearing special made shoes to aid in the healing of Achilles tendon injuries and these shoes may be suitable for certain activities, such as basketball or running shoes. Wearing these shoes may help to prevent a reoccurring injury or condition. It is vital to try to prevent such injuries that involve tendon strain since fifty percent of these injuries occur while playing sports.

Golfers elbow or tennis elbow is two examples of sports injuries, which occur by the misuse of the sporting equipment. The treatment for tendon strain is the same regardless of the type of sports that one may enjoy. - 29951

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