Runner holding calf muscle in pain

Are you an active Victoria resident grappling with persistent pain in your hands, wrists, or arms?

You might be dealing with tendonitis, a common yet often misunderstood condition that can significantly impact your daily life and favourite activities.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior exploring the beautiful trails of Vancouver Island or an office worker spending long hours at your desk, tendonitis can strike unexpectedly and derail your plans.

At Active Recovery Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic, we understand the frustration and worry that come with tendonitis, and we’re here to guide you on your journey to recovery.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone.

This condition can affect any part of your body where tendons are present, but it most commonly occurs in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Imagine your tendons as the sturdy ropes that enable your muscles to pull on your bones, allowing for movement. When these ropes become irritated or inflamed, the result is tendonitis, causing pain and limiting your ability to move freely.

Key takeaway:

Tendonitis is not just “part of getting older” or something you have to live with – it’s a treatable condition that responds well to proper care. With the right approach, you can overcome tendonitis and return to your active lifestyle.

Common Symptoms of Tendonitis

Recognizing the signs of tendonitis early can make a significant difference in your recovery.

By being attentive to your body’s signals, you can take prompt action and prevent the condition from worsening.

Here are the most common symptoms to watch out for:

  • Pain and tenderness near a joint, especially during movement or load
  • Swelling in the affected area
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • A grating sensation when moving the affected tendon or joint
  • Weakness in the affected limb or joint

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly, particularly after an injury or overuse. It’s important to note that the pain associated with tendonitis often worsens with activity and may be most noticeable when you first wake up in the morning or after a long rest period.

Causes of Tendonitis in Victoria’s Active Population

Victoria’s beautiful landscapes and outdoor lifestyle make it a haven for active individuals. From kayaking in the Inner Harbour to hiking in Goldstream Provincial Park, there’s no shortage of activities that keep Victorians on the move.

However, this active lifestyle, combined with certain occupations, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis.

Understanding these causes can help you take proactive steps to protect your tendons. Common causes include:

  • Repetitive movements: This is particularly common in office work (e.g., typing), trades (e.g., gripping, overhead work), and certain sports (e.g., one sided sports like tennis or golf).
  • Sudden increases in activity level: Jumping into a new fitness routine or increasing the volume or frequency without proper conditioning can strain your tendons.
  • Poor posture or technique during activities: This can put unnecessary stress on your tendons, especially during repetitive tasks.
  • Age-related changes in tendon elasticity: As we age, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury.
  • Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes: These can increase your susceptibility to tendon inflammation.

By being aware of these risk factors, you can take steps to protect your tendons while still enjoying all that Victoria has to offer. Proper warm-ups, gradual increases in activity, and maintaining good posture are all essential strategies for preventing tendonitis.

The Impact of Untreated Tendonitis

Leaving tendonitis untreated can have serious consequences that extend far beyond temporary discomfort.

As Victorians, we value our active lifestyles and the ability to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Untreated tendonitis can significantly impact these aspects of our lives.

Here’s what you might face if you ignore the signs of tendonitis:

  • Chronic pain affecting daily activities: Simple tasks like opening a jar or typing on a keyboard can become painful ordeals.
  • Decreased range of motion: This can limit your ability to participate in favorite activities or perform work-related tasks efficiently.
  • Weakened tendons prone to rupture: Continued stress on inflamed tendons can lead to tears or complete ruptures, often requiring surgical intervention.
  • Reduced quality of life: The ongoing pain and limitations can affect your mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

Diagnosing Tendonitis: The First Step to Recovery

At Active Recovery, we believe in a thorough diagnostic process to ensure accurate treatment. Our approach combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Victoria’s active population.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit us for a tendonitis assessment:

  1. Comprehensive physical examination: Our experienced therapists will carefully assess the affected area, looking for signs of tenderness, swelling, and restricted movement.
  2. Detailed history of your symptoms and activities: We’ll take the time to understand how your symptoms developed and how they’re affecting your daily life and activities.
  3. Possible imaging tests: In some cases, we may recommend a follow-up visit with your doctor for imaging tests like ultrasound to get a clearer picture of the affected tendon and rule out other potential issues.

This thorough diagnostic process allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle needs.

By understanding the root cause of your tendonitis, we can develop a targeted approach to not only alleviate your current symptoms but also prevent future recurrences.

Effective Tendonitis Treatment Options in Victoria BC

At Active Recovery, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for tendonitis, combining traditional approaches with cutting-edge therapies.

Our goal is to provide you with a treatment plan that not only addresses your immediate pain but also promotes long-term healing and prevention.

Conservative Treatments

For many cases of tendonitis, conservative treatments can be highly effective. These approaches focus on reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring function without the need for invasive procedures. At Active Recovery, we tailor our treatment plans to the specific phase of your tendonitis, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care at each stage of recovery.

Acute Phase Management

During the initial, acute phase of tendonitis, our primary goal is to reduce pain and inflammation. Treatment options in this phase include:

  • Rest and activity modification: Giving your affected tendon time to heal is crucial. We’ll guide you on how to modify your activities to avoid further strain while maintaining overall fitness.
  • Bracing for aggravating activities: We may recommend temporary bracing to protect the affected area during activities that typically cause pain.
  • Ice therapy: To reduce inflammation in the acute phase, we may recommend applying ice to the affected area.
  • Compression: Gentle compression can help manage swelling and provide support to the affected tendon.
  • Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can help manage pain and reduce inflammation when used appropriately. We may also suggest topical NSAIDs if they’re safe for you. A follow-up appointment with a doctor or a pharmacist is recommended.
  • Night splinting: In some cases, we might recommend night splinting to maintain a optimal position for healing, depending on the severity of pain and inflammation.

Recovery Phase Management

As you progress from the acute phase, our focus shifts to restoring full range of motion and promoting healing. During this phase, treatment may include:

  • Heat therapy: Applying heat can promote blood flow and aid in the healing process.
  • Gentle stretching exercises: Our therapists will design a customized stretching program to gradually improve flexibility of the affected tendon and surrounding tissues.
  • Soft tissue mobilization: Manual therapy techniques, including massage, can help restore full range of movement and improve circulation to the affected area.

Strengthening Phase

In the final phase of conservative treatment, we focus on rebuilding strength and preparing you for a return to full activity. This phase typically involves:

  • Progressive strengthening exercises: We’ll create a tailored exercise program that gradually increases in intensity, designed to strengthen the affected tendon and supporting muscles.
  • Functional exercises: These exercises are specific to your work or sport activities, helping to prepare your body for a safe return to your normal routine.
  • Custom splinting or bracing: In some cases, we may recommend a custom-made splint or brace to provide ongoing support as you return to more demanding activities.

Throughout all phases of treatment, our skilled therapists use hands-on techniques to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. We continuously assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

By tailoring our approach to each phase of your recovery, we can provide more effective, targeted treatment for your tendonitis. This phased approach helps to ensure a smoother recovery process and reduces the risk of re-injury as you return to your normal activities.

Advanced Therapies

For more persistent cases of tendonitis, or when conservative treatments aren’t providing sufficient relief, we offer advanced treatment options. These therapies are designed to accelerate healing and provide more targeted relief:

  • Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): This technique involves inserting fine needles into tight muscles to release tension and allow muscles to relax and to function properly.
  • Specialized hand therapy techniques: Our certified hand therapists use advanced techniques specifically designed for treating tendonitis in the hands and upper extremities.
  • Customized exercise programs: Using state-of-the-art equipment, we create tailored exercise routines to address your specific needs and goals.
  • Ultrasound therapy: This treatment uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain in affected tendons.
  • Wax bath therapy: This moist-heat treatment uses warmth to promote relaxation of muscles of the hands, and to reduce pain and swelling by increasing blood flow to the injured area.

In rare cases where conservative and advanced treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, we may refer you to a specialist to discuss options such as corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or surgical intervention. However, these options are typically only considered after exhausting other treatment avenues.

The Active Recovery Approach

At Active Recovery, we don’t just treat symptoms – we address the root cause of your tendonitis. Our team of expert physiotherapists and Certified Hand Therapists combines years of experience with the latest evidence-based treatments to provide you with comprehensive care.

Our certified hand therapists bring specialized expertise to the treatment of tendonitis, particularly in the upper extremities. With advanced training in hand and upper limb rehabilitation, they provide targeted, evidence-based care for conditions affecting the hands, wrists, and elbows. This specialized knowledge is particularly valuable for treating the complex and delicate structures of the hand and arm.

By choosing Active Recovery for your tendonitis treatment, you’re not just getting a standard approach – you’re getting a customized plan designed to help you regain function, reduce pain, and return to the activities you love.

Preventing Tendonitis: Staying Active and Pain-Free

While treatment is essential when dealing with tendonitis, prevention is always the best medicine. By incorporating some simple strategies into your daily life, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing tendonitis and maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle. Here are some key prevention tips:

  1. Use proper technique and posture during activities: Whether you’re at work or playing sports, maintaining good form can reduce stress on your tendons.
  2. Take regular breaks during repetitive tasks: If your job or hobbies involve repetitive movements, make sure to take frequent breaks to rest your tendons.
  3. Gradually increase the intensity of new activities or exercises: When starting a new workout routine or sport, build up your intensity slowly to give your tendons time to adapt.
  4. Maintain overall physical fitness and flexibility: Regular strengthening exercise and stretching can help keep your tendons healthy and resilient.
  5. Use ergonomic tools and equipment when possible: Properly designed tools and workstations can reduce strain on your tendons during daily activities.
  6. Listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain: If you experience pain during an activity, stop and rest. Pushing through pain can lead to more serious injuries.

For personalized prevention strategies tailored to your specific lifestyle and activities, consider booking a consultation with our team. We can provide guidance on proper techniques, equipment recommendations, and exercises to help keep your tendons healthy and strong.

Your Path to Recovery Starts Here

Don’t let tendonitis hold you back from enjoying all that Victoria has to offer. Whether you want to paddle board in Cadboro Bay, hike the Juan de Fuca trail, or simply work comfortably at your desk, Active Recovery Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic is here to help you achieve your goals.

Our team of expert physiotherapists and certified hand therapists is committed to helping you regain pain-free movement and return to the activities you love. We understand that each client’s journey is unique, and we’re dedicated to providing personalized care that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Take the first step towards recovery today: Book your tendonitis assessment online or call us at (250) 940-3530. Our expert team is ready to guide you on your journey to better hand and arm health.

Remember, you don’t have to live with the pain and limitations of tendonitis. With the right care and guidance, you can overcome this condition and get back to enjoying your active Victoria lifestyle. Let Active Recovery be your partner in achieving lasting relief and prevention.

Additional Resources

To help you further understand tendonitis and its treatment, we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources:

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can play an active role in your tendonitis treatment and prevention. At Active Recovery, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to optimal hand and arm health.