Tendonitis is a condition that results from inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord responsible for connecting bone to muscle. Tendonitis is often the result of an overuse of tendons, whether from repeated movement or improper form. This condition can occur in many places throughout the body and at different stages, with some cases being easier to treat than others. With this being said, not all individuals who suffer from tendonitis will need surgery to make a full recovery.

It’s important to consult a top-rated plastic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery before moving forward with a treatment option. This surgeon can help you understand the severity of your condition and how you can treat it.

Ways to Treat Your Tendonitis

Options for how to treat tendonitis depends on the severity of the condition because the effects of tendonitis can range from minor discomfort to serious pain.

In the early stages of tendonitis, invasive methods of treatment are not necessary. Oftentimes, rest, ice, compression and elevation (also known as the RICE method) can alleviate pain. This method is recommended to prevent overuse and more advanced stages of tendonitis from developing. In less serious cases, you may want to try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to combat minor pain associated with tendonitis.

With more advanced cases of tendonitis, you should schedule an appointment with a physical therapist who specializes in tendonitis. By following through with physical therapy, you’ll be able to attempt a variety of treatment options, like whirlpool therapy or ultrasound to eliminate the need for further action. Physical therapy programs can also assist you in strengthening areas of the body that are susceptible to tendonitis.

In the event that physical therapy is not effective, you should meet with a qualified hand surgeon to assess your current state and to develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

Surgical Methods of How to Treat Tendonitis

Surgery for tendonitis is only recommended for chronic, advanced cases. In most instances, the procedure is fairly simple and can be performed as outpatient surgery. This means that you have the ability to undergo surgery and recover within the comfort of your own home on the same day.

As for the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision to determine how damaged the tendon is. Often, your surgeon can repair any existing damage with stitches. In less common, more advanced cases, your tendonitis may require a graft from another area of the body to fully repair the damaged tendon, restoring functionality.

What to Expect from Tendonitis Treatment Options

By choosing a qualified and caring surgeon, you’ll rest easy knowing that any recommended treatment options are necessary and will help improve your condition. It’s essential to take the time to talk things over with your doctor so you understand all of your options, in addition to the ins-and-outs of the one you choose.

Whether it be physical therapy or surgery, undergoing treatment for tendonitis will help restore function to the affected area, allowing you to regain the quality of life you’re accustomed to.

What You Should Know About Treating Tendonitis

The results and recovery of tendonitis surgery, specifically in hand surgery, depends greatly on the quality of your surgeon, as well as your ability to understand the procedure and aftercare instructions.

For this reason, choosing a local surgeon is recommended to make the process of scheduling pre-surgery assessments and appointments convenient. By selecting a local, NJ plastic surgeon, the recovery process is less stressful with your doctor and treatment center nearby.

As with any procedure, surgical treatment options for tendonitis aren’t without risks. The expert doctors at Cohen/Winters can help alleviate these risks and prevent complications through their unique patient care. The surgeons at Cohen/Winters are dedicated to ensuring patients understand their options for care and treatment, and guiding them through the recovery process.

Learn more about the benefits of choosing a top NJ plastic surgery to figure out how to treat tendonitis and to begin improving your condition.

hand surgeon NJ

Dr. Yueh

About Dr. Yueh

Dr. Janet H. Yueh specializes in hand surgery including Trigger Finger, Basal Joint Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel and Tendonitis. Dr. Yueh did her undergraduate work at Harvard University in Cambridge where she graduated magna cum laude. She continued her education at Harvard Medical School where she earned her M.D.