TENDON STRAIN
Regardless of the way anyone may describe the feeling, tendon strain is excruciatingly painful. This can occur during an injury that stretches the tendons inside the body in an abnormal way. Tendons inside the body connect the muscles and bones. When tendons are over stretched they can become injured by twisting an ankle as well as while playing sports.
There are different degrees of tendon injury. The worst of these of course, are stretching a tendon to the point of tendon rupture. You can suffer such tendon injuries during a fall, playing sports or even by overuse.
The arms, legs, feet and wrists can all be at risk of tendon strain when there is excessive stress and force placed on these tendons. Improperly lifting weights can cause tendon strain in weightlifters. Skiers may be at risk of a common tendon strain while falling that can tear the rotator cuff tendon in the shoulders.
Just above the heel is the Achilles tendon, it can be overstretched when you twist your foot. Since this area works to propel the body forward while walking or running, this area takes on a good deal of strain. Tendon strain can occur while standing on your tiptoes, especially when this tendon is not moving properly before sustaining an injury.
However, tendon strain is treatable in many ways, depending of course on the type and degree of injury. The snapping of a tendon will most likely call for immediate surgery. Keep in mind that this type of tendon injury can cause permanent damage and disability if there is no medical treatment such as surgery to correct the problem.
The application of R.I.C.E. or Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation is a worthwhile treatment for tendon strain in other cases that do not call for surgery. The amount of rest required is highly debatable, since resting too much, without stretching the tendon can cause a foreshortening of the tendon. If this is the case, then it may cause even more medical complications. In order to prevent the likelihood of this occurrence, medical authorities agree that a slow stretching of the tendon should occur a few times daily.
Ice should never be left on the area for more than twenty minutes at a time; you will also need to cover the area in order to protect the skin from direct contact with the ice. Some swelling will occur in the injured area; however, ice can help to prevent swelling.
Limit the use of a compress and make sure that you do not make it too tight while using an ace bandage.
You can also limit swelling with the use of elevation. However, do not elevate the area higher than your heart in order to get the best benefits of elevation.
Keeping your range of motion after such an injury is necessary. Again, the injured tendon strain area needs to be very carefully exercised, sometimes while heat is applied if the swelling has gone down completely. Strengthening exercises will eventually follow for complete recovery.
There are different degrees of tendon injury. The worst of these of course, are stretching a tendon to the point of tendon rupture. You can suffer such tendon injuries during a fall, playing sports or even by overuse.
The arms, legs, feet and wrists can all be at risk of tendon strain when there is excessive stress and force placed on these tendons. Improperly lifting weights can cause tendon strain in weightlifters. Skiers may be at risk of a common tendon strain while falling that can tear the rotator cuff tendon in the shoulders.
Just above the heel is the Achilles tendon, it can be overstretched when you twist your foot. Since this area works to propel the body forward while walking or running, this area takes on a good deal of strain. Tendon strain can occur while standing on your tiptoes, especially when this tendon is not moving properly before sustaining an injury.
However, tendon strain is treatable in many ways, depending of course on the type and degree of injury. The snapping of a tendon will most likely call for immediate surgery. Keep in mind that this type of tendon injury can cause permanent damage and disability if there is no medical treatment such as surgery to correct the problem.
The application of R.I.C.E. or Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation is a worthwhile treatment for tendon strain in other cases that do not call for surgery. The amount of rest required is highly debatable, since resting too much, without stretching the tendon can cause a foreshortening of the tendon. If this is the case, then it may cause even more medical complications. In order to prevent the likelihood of this occurrence, medical authorities agree that a slow stretching of the tendon should occur a few times daily.
Ice should never be left on the area for more than twenty minutes at a time; you will also need to cover the area in order to protect the skin from direct contact with the ice. Some swelling will occur in the injured area; however, ice can help to prevent swelling.
Limit the use of a compress and make sure that you do not make it too tight while using an ace bandage.
You can also limit swelling with the use of elevation. However, do not elevate the area higher than your heart in order to get the best benefits of elevation.
Keeping your range of motion after such an injury is necessary. Again, the injured tendon strain area needs to be very carefully exercised, sometimes while heat is applied if the swelling has gone down completely. Strengthening exercises will eventually follow for complete recovery.
About the Author:
Tom Nicholson has spent years caring for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please click here to learn more regarding having asore wrist.