Complications Surrounding Advanced Tendon Strain
November 28, 2009 by Tom Nicholson
Filed under Health & Fitness
Tendon strain is very painful regardless of the way anyone describes the feeling. Tendon strain occurs when there is an injury that abnormally stretches the tendons inside the body. Tendons connect the bones to the muscles inside the body and they can become injured while playing sports or even twisting an ankle.
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.
Tendon strain can occur in the wrists, arms, feet and legs from excessive force on the tendons. Even a weightlifter performing incorrect weight lifting can suffer from tendon strain. One common tendon strain to skiers is taking a fall that may tear the rotator cuff tendon in the shoulders.
When you twist your foot, for instance, you are overstretching the Achilles tendon, which is found right above your heel. This tendon is used a tremendous amount as it is what accelerates your body forward when starting a footrace, for example. People have been known to suffer a tendon strain when trying to stand on tiptoe as an example, if they have not kept that particular tendon moving properly prior to the injury.
A tendon strain is treated in different manners depending on the amount of injury of course. If the tendon has snapped, immediate surgery is recommended, as the injury may be permanent, resulting in permanent disability if medical treatment in the form of surgery is not received.
Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation or R.I.C.E. applications work well as a treatment for tendon strain, when there is no need for surgery. However, it is debatable as to the amount of rest that is called for to relieve this problem. Not stretching the tendon can cause a premature shortening of the tendon. It may even cause more serious medical problems; therefore, medical professionals agree that a slow stretching is essential for the tendon on a daily basis, to prevent such occurrences.
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.
Elevation is helpful for reducing swelling; however, you should make sure that you do not elevate the area higher than your heart to get the best results of elevation.
After such an injury, it is necessary to keep your range of motion. However, you will need to exercise the area of the injured tendon strain most carefully. You may also wish to apply heat when the swelling goes down completely. After a complete recovery, strengthening exercises are essential.
Tom Nicholson has spent years helping carpal tunnel sufferers. Please click here to learn more regarding having asore wrist.
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