Once tendonitis is confirmed, your doctor may suggest the following treatment options based on the severity of the condition:
- Rest, heating pads or ice packs, avoiding heavy lifting, wrapping the area in a compression bandage, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- For more severe conditions, your doctor may recommend: Splints or braces, Corticosteroid injections, Physical therapy, Surgery
Corticosteroid injections reduce pain and inflammation quickly, but they can weaken your tendons and increase the risk of injury.
Recovery from tendonitis can take weeks or months. Early treatment can resolve tendonitis quickly. It can return if you go back to performing the same repetitive motions. Your doctor will advise you on changing those stressful motions to reduce this risk.
If the tendon has ruptured, surgery may be necessary. Your surgeon will make incisions in the skin over the affected tendon, sew the torn ends of the tendon, check for injuries in the surrounding tissue, close the incision, cover the area with dressings, and splint the joint. Chronic tendon issues respond well to physical therapy, which includes eccentric strengthening, range of motion exercises, and certain types of massages. If rest and physical therapy don’t work, your doctor may recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
The natural healing properties of plasma and platelets can promote the healing and repair of injured tendons. You receive injections of a concentration of your platelets to accelerate healing. PRP injections are not painful. Generally, an anesthetic is not needed, however, our team administers a local anesthetic to help you manage discomfort. The injections may cause temporary swelling, pain, and inflammation. You’re advised to rest for a few days and avoid straining the affected joint.
PRP therapy helps reduce pain, repair damage to the tendon tissue, and improve joint function. It works most effectively in conjunction with other treatments.