What is Tendonitis?

Tendons are sheaths of tough, fibrous tissue that connect the muscles to the bones. When muscles contract to pull bones and produce movements, tendons glide and transmit the muscular force to the bones. When tendons become inflamed and the smooth gliding motion is disrupted it is known as tendonitis. Tendonitis causes pain when muscles contract making movements difficult.

Who can get affected by tendonitis?

Tendonitis can affect men and women of all ages. Tendonitis can be caused by injury or due to age when tendons tend to lose elasticity.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

• Pain when tendons are under pressure such as performing any kind of manual task.
• Difficulty in movement
• As tendonitis progresses, pain will occur even when tendons are not under pressure and even when the area is simply moved or touched
• A hot, burning feeling around the affected area
• Inflamed tendons may become visible and the area will appear red and swollen

What causes tendonitis?

• The most common cause of tendonitis is repetitive movement. Repeated movements of joints such as the hand, elbow and shoulder causes strain.
• With age, tendons lose their flexibility and become harder prevented free movement of joints.
• Excessive exercise or exercising without warming up can put extreme strain on tendons. Bodybuilders and athletes often suffer from this.
• Tendonitis can sometimes develop as a result of an injury that has not heeled.
• Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause tendonitis to develop - generally if extreme strain is put on a joint.
• Outdoor activitis such as rock climbing and hiking can cause thermal injury which in rare cases may lead to tendonitis.
• Sometimes the anatomical structure of a joint may cause a tendon to become inflamed. In such cases, surgery may be needed.

What are some natural remedies to treat tendonitis?

• Generally allowing the tendon to rest will have beneficial effects. Stop the activity that caused the tendon to get irritated and allow at least 3-4 weeks of rest.
• Supporting the tendon with a strap, brace or sling also helps.
• Gently massaging the area will also help ease the pain.
• Herbs such as Boswellia and Ashwagandha and Turmeric are well known herbs that help to soothe joints. Formulations like Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel from Himalaya Herbals are herbal ayurvedic formulations with several herbs and minerals that help to relieve symptoms of tendonitis. They contain herbs such as boswellia, licorice, guggul, five-leaved chaste tree among others that are potent and beneficial for joints without side effects.

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References:

The Handbook of Diseases

The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments

Pubmed.org

Himalaya Herbals Company



Herbal remedies for Joints & Muscles

Boswellia
Pure herb which promotes joint mobility

Rumalaya Forte
Relieves occasional pain, ensures joint health

Ashwagandha
Relaxes and Eases joints & muscles