Tendinitis

The two most common problems seen in my general orthopedic practice are various tendinitis problems and arthritis, with the most common arthritis called degenerative arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis).  Tendinitis is frequently associated with repetitive activities with an obvious injury not usually a factor.  Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon and rest of the effected part and local measures, eg., heat and cold application will both increase the blood supply to the area, thus speeding up the recovery.  OTC (over-the-counter) anti-inflammatory medications, examples being Aleve and Advil (known also as ibuprofen and Motrin) are readily available, but must be taken with food, not taken in face of active ulcer disease and with the knowledge that even potentially life-threatening intestinal bleeding can occur.  Though ibuprofen is the more widely used OTC medication, the amount necessary to have a positive long-lasting effect on the inflammatory process is daunting.  Though the label will not indicate this, if taking the 200 milligram tablet, you would need, as an adult, 12-16 of the tablets a day.  A better choice is Aleve and again the label will not reflect this dosage, but 2 tablets 3 times a day with meals is the appropriate dose.  There are prescription  medications available, but that requires a provider visit and this post is all about treatments that , hopefully resolve the problems without thatvisit becoming a necessity.