What is it? Tendon-related pain is a very common problem in sports medicine. Tendon injuries can occur acutely from overuse (tendonitis), an injury (tendon tear), or gradually from overuse (tendinopathy). Chronic tendon pain can also develop as a manifestation of a myofascial trigger point in a regional muscle…
How does it occur? Repetitive strain and/or overuse is the most common cause.
What are the symptoms? Pain in the hours or days after an activity, swelling (sometimes).
How is it diagnosed: A detailed history (story of how your pain developed), physical exam, and, when necessary imaging (ultrasound, MRI). Most cases can be diagnosed without imaging, which may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. Responsiveness to standard treatments can also be diagnostic.
What standard treatments are available? Rest, ice, analgesics and physical therapy exercises are often effective. Nitroglycerin patches applied to the affected area daily for 2-3 months may also be effective. Cortisone injections may be considered, but are falling out of favor among non-surgical specialists (better treatments are available) – and should be used sparingly. (Dr. Mahooti typically does not offer cortisone injections for most cases of tendinitis – because more effective options with fewer side effects are available).
What advanced, non-surgical treatments are available? If you are not responding to standard treatments, a variety of options are available, such as: topical nitroglycerin patches, Therapeutic Needling (like dry needling, only better), Platelet Rich Plasma (“PRP”), Shockwave, and Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy.
When should I schedule a consultation with Dr. Mahooti? If you have persistent tendon-related pain that is not responding to standard treatments.
