Tendinitis Specialist
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Kent Jarvis, DPM
Board Qualified Podiatrist located in Humble, TX
Tendinitis is a painful overuse injury that affects between 1-3% of the adult population. Without early diagnosis and treatment, tendinitis can affect your mobility and prevent you from exercise or other physical activities. At his Houston-area practice, Kent Jarvis, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating tendinitis. To schedule an appointment at The Woodlands or Atascocita, Texas, location, book online or call to speak with a staff member today.
Tendinitis Q & A
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is a common wear-and-tear injury that causes one (or multiple) tendons to become irritated and inflamed. Tendons are thick, fibrous cords of soft tissue that connect muscle to bone.
Tendinitis can occur anywhere in the body, but it’s especially common near joints, including the shoulders, wrists, elbows, and heels. In the majority of cases, tendinitis responds to conservative treatments. However, if you tear or rupture a tendon, surgical intervention may be necessary.
What are the symptoms of tendinitis?
Common symptoms of tendinitis include:
- Pain
- Dull ache
- Tenderness
- Mild swelling
As tendinitis progresses, you might also find it difficult to move the affected limb.
Who is at risk of experiencing tendinitis?
Tendinitis affects people of all races and genders, but several factors may increase your risk, including being middle-aged or older, working a job that involves repetitive motions or frequent overhead reaching, and playing sports like hockey, baseball, or golf.
Is there any way to prevent tendinitis?
To reduce your risk of developing tendinitis, Dr. Jarvis recommends:
- Avoiding activities that place stress on your tendons
- Stretching before and after exercise
- Using proper workplace ergonomics
- Strengthening your muscles with weight training
It’s also important to practice good form during exercise. If you have poor technique or posture, you’re more likely to pull, strain, or tear a tendon.
How is tendinitis diagnosed?
To diagnose tendinitis, Dr. Jarvis reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and conducts a physical exam. If he suspects a different problem is the source of your discomfort, he might also order X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.
How is tendinitis treated?
Treatment for tendinitis depends on the location and severity of your symptoms. Typically, Dr. Jarvis recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments like rest, ice, and elevation, over-the-counter pain medication, corticosteroid injections, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
If your pain doesn’t respond to these treatments, Dr. Jarvis might recommend physical therapy, dry needling, ultrasonic treatment, or in severe instances, surgical intervention. The goal of treatment is to limit discomfort and restore your mobility.
To receive treatment for tendinitis, request a consultation at the practice of Kent Jarvis, DPM. Call to speak with a member of the support staff or book a consultation online today.
