Why Won’t My Tendinitis Get Better?

Struggling with persistent tendon pain despite all your efforts? You're not alone. Discover why your tendinitis isn't getting better and explore practical steps to finally find relief.

Understanding Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. It commonly occurs in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. Tendinitis can be caused by repetitive motion, sudden injury, or age-related degeneration. Activities like sports, manual labour, or even certain hobbies can lead to this condition. It may not go away on its own due to ongoing stress on the tendon, inadequate rest, improper treatment, or underlying health issues like diabetes or arthritis. Without addressing these factors, tendinitis can become a chronic and persistent problem.

Steps You Can Take at Home

1.    Apply an Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack to the affected area will help to soothe the area and reduce further inflammation around the tendons. Use it for 2-3 minutes at a time, then remove for 2-3 mins, and repeat 3 times.

Do not apply directly to the skin. Wrap the ice pack in a thin, damp towel to avoid irritating your skin.

2.    Avoid High Impact Exercise

High impact exercises, such as skipping, running, or even aerobics classes, can worsen tendinitis. Whilst there is inflammation and pain in the tissues, it is likely that the joint’s ability to cope with and absorb shock is affected.

3.    Keep Moving

Movement is important during your recovery as this will help to:

• Prevent muscles from weakening

• Prevent the joint from becoming stiff

• Keep blood circulation flowing to the area

 4.    Support at Night

Sleeping with tendinitis can be challenging due to pain and/or discomfort. Try these tips to improve your sleep:

• Elbow or Shoulder Pain: Place a pillow under your elbow when lying on your back to support your arm and prevent turning onto the painful side.

• Knee Pain: Put a small pillow under your knee when lying on your back to keep the joint neutral and reduce discomfort.

• Hip Pain: If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to maintain a neutral pelvis position, which can be more comfortable.

5.    Diagnosis Before Exercise

With so much information on the internet, it's tempting to search for exercises to relieve tendonitis. However, joints are comprised of complex components with many structures that can cause pain. Many exercises you see online may not be suitable for your specific issue.

Here at Body Zest, we tailor your exercise rehabilitation so that it is individualized to your circumstances and goals.

 Shockwave Therapy for Tendinitis

Shockwave Therapy is an emerging, non-invasive treatment for the management of pain caused by various musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. It involves directing high-energy acoustic waves directly on and around the affected area to promote tissue healing and alleviate pain.

The physiological effects that occur during Shockwave Therapy include:

• Increased blood flow to the affected site

• Improved removal of damaged cells and waste products

• Increased collaged production, which is vital in natural tissue repair

• Promotes the release of natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory substances

When treating tendinitis, Shockwave Therapy targets the inflamed tendon directly, helping to relieve pain and improve function.

Shockwave Therapy has even proven effective in treating chronic tendinitis, particularly when other treatments haven't worked.

Can You be Treated with Shockwave?

Unfortunately, Shockwave Therapy is not for everyone.

You cannot undergo the treatment if you fall under any of the following conditions:

• Haemophilia / Clotting Disorder / Risk of Haemorrhage

• Taking Anti-coagulant medication, e.g. Warfarin or Rivaroxaban

• Cardiac pacemaker, or another cardiac device

• Unstable heart condition

• Steroid injection to the treatment site within the last 6-weeks

• Cancer

• Pregnant / trying to conceive

• Tumour at the site of treatment

• Infection at the site of treatment

Is Shockwave Therapy painful?

It is worth noting that Shockwave treatment can be a bit painful, but most people can normally tolerate it. If you cannot tolerate the pain, it is important to communicate this with your practitioner, as the dose can be amended to ensure you are comfortable.

It is also normal to feel slightly bruised or tender at the area that has been treated during your session.

Want some more info about Shockwave for Tendinitis?

Either jump onto our Shockwave Therapy page on our website, or email us at hello@bodyzest.co.uk and organise a FREE consultation to discuss your condition and see if it’s something our team can help with!