Tendonitis Treatment: What Works and Why

When you search for tendonitis treatment, the set of approaches used to lower tendon inflammation and restore movement, you’re dealing with tendonitis, a painful inflammation of a tendon caused by overuse or injury. The first step usually is rest and ice to calm swelling. From there, doctors often add NSAIDs, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs that block pain signals and reduce inflammation or a corticosteroid injection, a localized steroid shot that quickly suppresses inflammation. Finally, physical therapy, guided exercises and manual techniques that promote tendon healing and strength rounds out a comprehensive plan.

How to Choose the Right Strategy

tendonitis treatment isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Mild cases often respond to rest, ice, and over‑the‑counter NSAIDs. Moderate pain may need a short course of prescription NSAIDs or a corticosteroid injection to break the inflammation cycle. Severe or chronic cases usually involve physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility. This layered approach creates a clear semantic chain: tendonitis treatment encompasses physical therapy, effective tendonitis treatment often requires NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injection influences inflammation reduction in tendonitis. Rest and ice support tendon healing, while rehabilitation programs improve long‑term outcomes.

Knowing when to move from one step to the next saves time and prevents setbacks. If pain lingers after a week of rest and ice, adding NSAIDs can tip the balance. When NSAIDs alone aren’t enough, a corticosteroid injection may provide the rapid relief needed to start physical therapy without aggravating the tendon. Physical therapists then tailor exercise protocols that address the specific tendon involved, whether it’s the Achilles, rotator cuff, or elbow.

Beyond these core options, adjuncts like compression sleeves, ergonomic adjustments, and gradual return‑to‑activity plans keep the tendon from re‑injuring. Many athletes swear by progressive loading, which means slowly increasing stress on the tendon while monitoring pain. This method aligns with the principle that rehabilitation programs improve long‑term outcomes, because the tendon learns to handle real‑world forces without breaking down again.

What you’ll see next is a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each of these treatments. Whether you need a step‑by‑step guide to safe NSAID use, tips for a successful corticosteroid injection, or a detailed physical therapy routine, the collection below has you covered. Explore the resources and pick the next action that fits your situation.