As you move through the day, it’s not just your muscles and bones supporting you. Tendons, which attach the two, are also subject to wear and tear. When these cord-like tissues eventually become inflamed, they can cause a painful condition known as tendinitis. If you’re experiencing pain around any of your joints, use this guide to learn more and determine if you need to see an orthopedic doctor.

Symptoms

If you have tendinitis, you might notice a dull yet constant aching, just outside of your knees, shoulder, elbows, wrists, or ankles. The area might also feel tender to the touch. When you try to use the joint, such as by crouching down or reaching up to grab something, the pain will worsen.

Causes

In most cases, tendinitis is a repetitive motion injury. For example, if you work on the computer daily, typing with your arms bent in the same position, you might irritate the tendons in your wrists or elbows. Similarly, baseball pitchers often experience tendinitis in their shoulders, while dancers are prone to the condition in their Achilles tendons.

As we age, the tissues throughout the body become stiffer and less elastic, so seniors may be more at risk for tendinitis even if they’re not performing repetitive motions.

Treatment Options

When you first notice pain or tenderness, try taking periodic breaks from the activities you do most often. In your downtime, use ice to reduce inflammation in the area. If the discomfort persists for more than a couple weeks, see an orthopedic doctor to assess your condition and come up with a treatment plan for recovery. For example, you may need to immobilize the joint by wearing a brace or strengthen the muscles around the joint to take the strain off your tendons. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

To see an orthopedic doctor and get to the bottom of your joint pain, turn to Orthopaedic Associates of Rochester in New York. Under their care, you can get X-rays and a specialized treatment plan all in one place. If surgery is necessary, their team will handle this aspect of your recovery as well. To arrange for an appointment today, call (585) 723­-3000.