By Jana Taylor
Achilles heel. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Trigger finger. Tennis elbow. Plantar fasciitis. Swimmer’s shoulder. You may have heard these terms but not connected them; do you know what they all have in common? These are all names for the phenomenon of tendon pain, or tendinitis.
Tendons are cord-like, fibrous tissues surrounded by membranes that attach muscle to bone. When you have tendon pain or swelling, it can be the result of overuse from repetitive movements, a sustained injury or degeneration due to age. It is quite common to have this kind of pain, nearly everyone will experience it at some point in their lifetime.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Cortisone shots are a commonly used treatment, but they are not actually recommended for persons with tendinitis. This is because studies have shown that the corticosteroids actually decrease tendon strength. It is far better to limit or stop the activity that aggravates the condition until the tendon has time to heal. Braces can be worn for support but they should not be worn continually. Intermittently icing the affected area will help minimize any swelling.
Some people rely on NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen. While these over-the-counter drugs can be effective in reducing pain and swelling in the short term, they aren’t ideal for long term use because of the potential risk of heart attack. NSAIDs may also slow the development of collagen, which is crucial for tendon recovery.
A safer alternative to NSAIDs and cortisone shots is Peaceful Mountain’s® Joint and Tendon Rescue®. Joint and Tendon Rescue is specifically formulated for tendons and the soft membrane tissues surrounding them. It contains powerful homeopathic ingredients combined with soothing herbal components blended into a water-base gel. It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly for fast relief.
Jana Taylor is a staff writer for Peaceful Mountain.
Who has time to be sick? Apparently, only people in the U.K.