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Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a condition in which the tendon, a fibrous chord that attaches a muscle to a bone or a muscle to another muscle, develops inflammation. Inflammation can occur to the tendon itself or to the lining of the tendon called the tendonous sheath, although usually the inflammation occurs in both areas simultaneously.

Symptoms
Tendons are usually very painful and tender to the touch, and pain also occurs as a result of movement of the involved joint. Often the joint motion becomes restricted because of the pain and the abnormal changes to the tendons themselves that affect movement. The pain can become very severe depending on the degree of inflammation, and can radiate to the joints above and below affected joint. In addition, the inflamed tendons can have a "creaking" quality due to "friction rubs" from the inflammation itself, and may become swollen. Bone enlargement around the affected tendon can also occur.

Types
There are two types of tendonitis inflammation of the tendons themselves, and inflammation of the tendonous sheath that lines the tendons.

Causes
Tendonitis can be caused by decreased circulation to the tendons due to repeated or chronic trauma. The most common cause of tendonitis is repeated or extreme trauma in the form of excessive exercise and/or strain. Certain diseases can also cause tendonitisi, such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, gout, Reiter's syndrome (an inflammatory syndrome), excessively high blood cholesterol levels, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Self-Care Tips

Treatment of tendonitis needs to include immobilization of the affected area, compresses with cold or heat, oral and topical pain relievers, and therapeutic exercise, which should increase as joint becomes better and is able to tolerate increased movement.

Diet
Avoidance of the members of the nightshade family of plants (white potato, tomato, eggplant, all peppers except black, and tobacco); if restricted for a long time, over years, this may be effective. Assessment and treatment of food allergies is imperative, as inflammation may be aggravated by food allergies in many people.

Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream applied topically over the affected areas can soothe pain and speed healing.

Herbs
Combine equal parts of the tinctures of willow bark, cramp bark, and prickly ash and take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day.

Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies include Aconite, Thuja, Ruta grav., Belladonna, and Apis mel.

Hydrotherapy
Apply alternating hot and cold packs to the affected area one to three times daily Epsom salt baths can also be helpful.

Nutritional Supplementation
Useful nutrients for tendonitis include vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, bromelain, essential fatty acids, cod liver oil, calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and D-phenylalanine.

Topical Treatment
Massage the affected areas with a mixture of salt and vinegar, then wrap with several layers of gauze or muslin soaked with this mixture.

Caution

If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional.

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