Your experiences with tendonitis/tendinopathy

armylife wrote: »

Tendinitis is common among military members, golf elbow, bicep, and patella in particular. Most, including me, recommend the R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, ice, compression, and elevation) along with taking NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen (500-800mg every 4-6 hours never to exceed 7,000mg in a 24 hour period). Typical rest time prescribed is two to eight weeks depending on severity. I would advise consulting with a medical professional to insure it is not a tear. Since tendinitis is an overuse injury it is generally contributed to going "too far, too fast". Tendinopathy is an even more general term for tendinitis. Some medical practitioners like the suffix. -pathy more than itis.

But really, if you think you have any injury don't consult the Internet GO TO THE DOCTOR.

Thanks, @armylife , yes, that's often the quoted healing time, and I'm (all too) familiar with the protocol - but I appreciate your sharing that, some people aren't. I am under the care of a sports med and physio. I've got a number of seriously chronic tendon injuries that haven't healed for 1-3 years, with treatment, and one that did heal (after a year) and came back. I was hoping to hear people's personal experiences (which is why I used "tendonitis", in case that's what some people are more familiar with).

My understanding, on reading some of the newer research, is that only surgery can truly repair the damaged tissue, and only in the case that gross degenerative tears occur.

The hope for the future, afaik, is in biologics/stem cell treatment, with mixed results for prolotherapy seen so far.

Anyway, fixing the tissue is one thing, just wondering where people here have gotten to in terms of function and pain management, after how long, with what.

Aw, thanks, @queenliz99. That's really kind Yeah, I guess I don't shut up about it, lol. So far, I've been hopeful things would get better, and have been reading lots to work it out, and trying to exercise around things, but lately I'm thinking, what if these injuries just don't get better? I mean, as far as things that can go wrong for people, it's not the worst thing that could happen. But maybe it's time to accept that this is how things are now. Like that Louis CK bit about his "incurably sh**** ankle". But maybe some people have seen improvements, even with chronic stuff?

I'm glad you've seen improvements, that's great! But sounds like yours is still bothering you, eh? In the neck, even, whoa, how does that happen Must have been painful Can you still do most of the things you want to do?

No surgery on the horizon for me, @armylife . Thanks for your thoughts