Tendons are connective tissue that attaches your muscles to your bones. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon and is a common condition in athletes and active individuals. Whether in your elbow or your knee, David Westerdahl, MD, at Sports Health Northwest, Inc, can provide expert care to heal your tendonitis, ease your pain, and help you get back to your active lifestyle. Call the office located in The Graham Clinic in Portland, Oregon, or book an appointment online today.
Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are tough fibrous tissues that attach muscle to bone and support mobility.
Tendonitis most often occurs from overuse but can also develop after an acute injury.
Pain at the site of your inflamed tendon is the most common symptom of tendonitis. The pain may develop gradually or occur suddenly. The discomfort may range from a dull ache to severe pain.
Calcific tendonitis occurs when you have a buildup of hard calcium deposits in the tendon. This type of tendonitis causes severe pain and most often affects the tendons in the shoulder.
Tendonitis may affect any tendon that connects muscle to bone. Dr. Westerdahl treats many types of tendonitis that affect the mobile joints athletes and active individuals use when playing their sport.
Types of tendonitis include:
Tendonitis may be acute or chronic. Dr. Westerdahl uses the term tendinopathy for patients with chronic tendon problems.
Dr. Westerdahl takes a conservative approach to care, using many innovative nonsurgical treatments for tendonitis. He customizes your treatment plan based on the location of your tendonitis, the severity of your symptoms, and your usual level of activity.
Initially, he may recommend:
Sports Health Northwest, Inc, also offers minimally invasive treatments for tendonitis, including:
For chronic tendonitis, Dr. Westerdahl may recommend percutaneous tenotomy. During this minimally invasive procedure, he uses advanced tools and technology to remove the damaged tissue without harming the healthy tissue.
For calcific tendonitis, Dr. Westerdahl performs an ultrasound-guided lavage. During the needle-based procedure, he uses fluid to flush out the calcium deposits from the affected tendon.
The minimally invasive procedure requires little downtime and allows patients to quickly get back to their active lifestyle.
Tendonitis is a common condition in people who engage in repetitive movements. For expert care of your tendonitis from an experienced sports medicine physician, call Sports Health Northwest, Inc, or schedule an appointment online today.
