5 Signs Your Tendinitis Needs More Than Rest and Ice

Are you an athlete who loves hard, competitive play? You likely already know that you’re at risk of an overuse injury. Perhaps you’ve already had one bout of tendinitis. You recovered before by resting the elbow, knee, or shoulder, but what if rest and ice don’t work a few weeks after the onset, and you’re still in pain? 

Although tendinitis is a common sports injury, you’re also at risk of an overuse injury if you have a job or a hobby that requires repetitive motions. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Shults with Coastal Empire Orthopedics, treats many patients with tendinitis, a common musculoskeletal injury. 

Dr. Shults, a sports medicine specialist, understands the ins and outs of tennis elbow, golf elbow, thrower’s shoulder, runner’s knee, and more — all overuse injuries caused by repetitive motion on the court, field, or pavement, or on the job. The following are five signs that home care for tendinitis isn’t working, and you need medical care.  

Pain doesn’t cease or worsens over time 

You’re using medication and the RICE method— rest, ice, compression, and elevation –  at home for your sore elbow or knee, but the pain hasn’t diminished, and it’s been more than a week since the onset of your injury. It’s time to see an orthopedic specialist. 

Don’t risk chronic tendinosis, which means tissue breakdown and persistent pain, stiffness, and weakness. Treating your overuse injury promptly means you can get back in the game faster. 

Simple tasks become difficult 

Has it become difficult to reach for a bowl on an upper shelf of your kitchen cabinet — or even to simply button a shirt? Don’t wait until your condition is disabling to seek medical attention for tendinitis.  

Moving your joint brings a crunching sound or cracking feeling 

Your tendons help your joints move smoothly as they glide back and forth through a sheath. If you feel or hear a cracking or snapping sensation when you move your injured joint, please call our office for an appointment to prevent further tendon degradation. If your joint could talk, it would be asking for help. 

You don’t have full range of motion in your joint 

If you’re having trouble bending your knee or elbow or raising your shoulder after a week and using the RICE method at home, your inflammation isn’t subsiding. It’s time to seek medical care to prevent joint damage.  

Swelling and/or redness

Some swelling is normal after an overuse injury, but if your knee looks like a blown-up balloon or looks red and feels hot, call our office right away. You could have an infection. Be especially watchful if you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, as both conditions can trigger tendinitis.  

If your tendinitis isn’t improving with at-home care, call or book an appointment online today with Coastal Empire Orthopedics in Savannah, Georgia.