Peritendinitis is an inflammation of the sheath that surrounds a tendon. It can be associated with tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon itself. This condition is most often seen in overuse injuries, such as those seen in people who overtrain or in athletes who don't get enough rest. The primary treatment is rest to allow the inflamed tissue a chance to heal.
The tissue that covers the tendon provides protection, reduces friction, and helps the tendons move smoothly. When it becomes inflamed, it can be difficult or painful to move the tendon. People with peritendinitis may experience symptoms such as pain and stiffness and may have limited range of motion. The tendon site may also feel hot and swollen from the outside, depending on how extensive the swelling is and the location of the tendon.
A telltale sign of peritendinitis is a crackling sound when the area is moved or palpated. If a patient has all these symptoms, the doctor will assume that an inflammatory process is taking place. The first step is to get the patient to rest, and doctors recommend at least a week of rest. Adaptive devices such as crutches may be used to keep weight off the healing tendon to avoid restricting the site. Analgesic medications can be used to control pain, and some patients benefit from hot or cold compresses on the site along with elevation of the affected limb.
If the patient appears to be recovering from peritendinitis, another exam may be performed to check for signs of tenderness, crepitus, or limited range of motion that suggest the patient has not fully recovered. Patients who strain the tendon during healing will prolong their healing time and may develop permanent tendon injuries. In cases where patients have recurring lesions, options such as surgery may be considered to address the problem.
People can reduce the risk of developing peritendinitis by warming up and cooling down after exercise and by being sensitive to early signs of overuse. While soreness and tenderness may be a sign that someone just had a hard workout and stretched their muscles in new ways, extreme soreness and prolonged soreness are signs that inflammation may be occurring. Athletic trainers and personal trainers are often alert to signs of overuse injuries and use techniques like mixing exercise methods, practicing yoga, and working in low-resistance environments like swimming pools to reduce stress on muscles, tendons, and joints.