Tendonitis

Causes and cures

Elaine Godley

Last Update a year ago

Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is the connective tissue between muscles and bones[1][4]. 


It often occurs due to repetitive stress or overuse, causing pain and tenderness around the affected joint[1][4].


Common causes of tendonitis include:


1. Repetitive activities or motions[1][7]

2. Injury[7]

3. Aging[7]

4. Certain diseases like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis[7]

5. Some antibiotics (quinolones)[7]


Medical treatments for tendonitis include:


1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for short-term pain relief[5][8]

2. Corticosteroid injections for temporary relief[5]

3. Platelet-rich plasma injections to promote healing[5]

4. Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and tendons[5]


To reverse tendonitis naturally:


1. RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation[9]

2. Appropriate stretching exercises tailored to the specific case[9]

3. Massage therapy, including deep transverse friction massage (DTFM)[9]

4. Physical therapy focusing on eccentric strengthening exercises[5]

5. Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition and allowing proper rest[6]


It's important to note that tendonitis will not heal on its own and requires intentional treatment to prevent complications like chronic tendonitis or tendon rupture[6]. 


If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.


Citations:

[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10919-tendonitis

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2505250/

[3] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/Encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=1&contentid=739

[4] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tendinitis

[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378248

[6] https://www.hand2shouldercenter.com/what-happens-if-tendonitis-goes-untreated/

[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/tendinitis

[8] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/809692-treatment

[9] https://www.pacificrheumatologycenter.com/post/nonsurgical-ways-to-reverse-tendonitis

[10] https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_tendonitis.asp

[11] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tendonitis

[12] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378243

[13] https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/tendonitis/



Foods to Aid Recovery

To aid in tendonitis recovery, incorporating specific foods into your diet can be beneficial. The best foods to eat for tendonitis recovery include:


1. Anti-inflammatory foods:


- Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) rich in omega-3 fatty acids[1][4] - Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) loaded with antioxidants[1][3] - Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach) packed with vitamins and minerals[1] - Nuts (walnuts, almonds) high in healthy fats[1][4]


2. Collagen-rich foods: - Bone broth, which contains significant amounts of collagen[1][3] - Chicken and fish, good sources of collagen and essential nutrients[1] - Egg whites, providing collagen and other vital nutrients[1]


3. Protein sources:

- Lean meats (organic chicken, turkey, grass-fed beef)[3] - Wild-caught fish[3] - Raw dairy and eggs[3] - Plant-based options like lentils, chickpeas, and tofu[5]


4. Vitamin C-rich foods: - Citrus fruits (oranges, kiwi)[3][4] - Berries (strawberries)[5] - Vegetables (broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower)[3][4]


5. Mineral-rich foods:

- Zinc sources: beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach, cheese, beans, whole grains[3] - Potassium and magnesium sources: avocado, coconut/coconut water, bananas, mushrooms, sweet potatoes[3]


6. Other beneficial foods: - Whole grains[4] - Olive oil[4] - Polyphenol-rich foods: blueberries, blackberries, spinach, olives, walnuts, green tea, and 70% dark chocolate[2]


Incorporating these foods into your diet, along with physical therapy, can help support tendon healing and reduce inflammation associated with tendonitis.


Citations:[1] https://www.stemcelltherapynyc.com/blog/best-foods-to-eat-for-chronic-tendonitis-pain/[2] https://www.hovephysio.com/our-articles/2017/05/nutrition-recovery-tendon-injury[3] https://www.perfectbalanceclinic.com/what-you-should-be-eating-for-tendonitis/[4] https://www.thomassaylormd.com/blog/5-lifestyle-habits-that-fuel-tendonitis[5] https://www.rehabhero.ca/blog/how-to-improve-tendon-recovery-with-nutrition

Elaine Godley, MBA, O.A. Dip (Psych) is a multi award winning Master Health and Lifestyle Mentor and founder of The Perfect Health HUB. Speaker and multi published author. Her passion is supporting individuals to help themselves to optimise their health and wellbeing naturally.

[email protected]



Was this article helpful?

0 out of 0 liked this article

Still need help? Message Us