Forearm tendinitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a tendon, that is, a tendon that connects muscle to bone. This is often the result of overuse, although it can also be caused by an acute injury. Symptoms of forearm tendonitis include pain along the forearm, tenderness, and stiffness. In most cases, conservative treatments such as avoiding any activity that aggravates the condition and icing the area will resolve the problem. Other treatments, such as cortisone injections, are sometimes used if conservative treatments fail.
In most cases, forearm tendinitis is the result of overuse that causes the tendon to become inflamed. A direct impact or tear to a forearm muscle can cause inflammation and lead to tendonitis, although this is less common. Weightlifters commonly suffer from the condition, as do those who have a job that involves a lot of manual labor. Tendonitis is more likely to occur when a person changes or increases their activities too quickly and without proper preparation. Some people are also more prone to overuse injuries than others for genetic reasons.
The most common symptom of forearm tendonitis is pain along the forearm. This area can also be sensitive to touch. A common sign of tendinitis is that the pain worsens during activity, then goes away during periods of rest, only to return later. Other symptoms include a feeling of stiffness in the forearm and pain when the arm is moved against resistance. A person suffering from forearm tendinitis may find that the condition is worse at night and in the morning.
Proper treatment for tendonitis is essential for a person to make a full and speedy recovery. The most important part of treatment is resting from the activity that is causing the pain. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon, so any activity that causes pain will increase inflammation and recovery time. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the more likely it is that conservative treatment will be effective.
Other treatments include icing the injured area, applying compression to the forearm, and keeping the arm elevated. The time needed for a full recovery will vary from person to person depending on the severity of the condition; However, it is important for the patient to avoid aggravating activities until the injury has fully healed. In some cases, a conservative approach may not be enough to reduce inflammation, and other treatments such as cortisone injections may be considered. Surgery is rarely required for forearm tendonitis.