What is tendonitis?

Arthritis / Tendonitis is a term used for inflammation of the tendon. A tendon is a structure which helps a muscle attach to the bone by forming a dense rope-like structure in a concentrated manner instead of a bulky wide muscle belly thus allowing an efficient space-saving insertion

These arthritis in some areas like the shoulder pass through tight spaces & are prone to injuries due to close proximity of bony structures

Which tendons are prone to injuries?

Tendons of the Shoulder muscles called as Rotator cuff are most commonly associated with arthritis due to various causes, the most common being impingement within the subacromial space which is a tight space bound by acromion above & humeral head below. Similarly, the Achilles tendon of the heel suffers tendinitis due to persistent use. Tennis elbow again is a common condition affecting tendons around the elbow.

What is the treatment of tendinitis?

Rest to the part is very important if the enticing event is an injury. Chronic repetitive tendinitis needs accurate identification of the cause & appropriate treatment eg rotator cuff tendinitis secondary to subacromial impingement and needs appropriate physiotherapy to correct the impingement. Similarly, any other cause for the tendinitis like Gout etc. needs to be corrected otherwise tendinitis can lead to weakness & full-blown rupture of the tendon later on

How is Arthritis associated to tendinitis?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. Because most of the tendons are attached near major joints eventually inflammation of the joint extends to the tendon too so tendinitis may occur if a surrounding joint has arthritis. But vice versa is not true unless some common disease is affecting both together like rheumatoid arthritis   

Does treatment of arthritis treat tendinitis as well?

If the arthritis is at only the inflammatory stage, then adequate medical management will bring down the inflammation & resolve the tendinitis as well. But advanced arthritis usually needs replacement which brings down the load on the respective tendon/tendons & eventually might resolve the tendinitis as well

In a nutshell long-standing tendinitis especially of the shoulder should be resolved as soon as possible to prevent a tear of the tendon

We provide excellent medical care but also strive to deliver the best service possible for Arthritis treatment in Ghatkopar