Aches and stiffness are sometimes portrayed as natural aspects of aging. Many people notice increased pain or tenderness in their tendons, muscles, and joints when they increase their activity levels or try a new form of exercise. However, many simply experience increased pain or discomfort without a clear cause. In many cases, this pain is related to inflammation or swelling in the tendons.

People of all ages and activity levels are susceptible to tendon-related pain. This pain can lead to reduced activity levels and, in some cases, a loss of mobility. It can keep people from engaging in exercise, hobbies, and even normal daily activities.

Tendon pain–sometimes called tendinitis–is both treatable and preventable. Some therapies are designed to mask pain symptoms or provide temporary relief. Others can support the body’s healing potential, allowing for complete healing and comfort.

This article will explore two approaches to treating tendon pain: cortisone injections and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). You will learn about how they work and the potential benefits and downsides of these therapies.

If you or someone you love needs help to manage tendon pain or other health conditions, you can find holistic treatment and support at The Hartman Center. Contact our specialists now to explore our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

Understanding Tendon Pain

Tendons are thick bands of tissue that connect your bones and muscles. They help to stabilize joints and translate muscle force into movement. They also absorb the shock of movement, protecting your muscles from damage even during high-intensity use.

Tendons are flexible, durable, and strong. However, repeated use, excessive stress, or sudden injury can lead to inflammation and pain. People may experience a range of symptoms related to tendinitis, including:

• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Dull pain or aching, especially when using the limb or moving the joint

Some of the most common forms of tendonitis include:

• Tennis elbow: Swelling or pain in the elbow that may be associated with overuse or improper use of the arms or wrists
• Patellar tendonitis: Pain or swelling in the knee that is common among people who play sports that involve jumping
• Achilles tendonitis: Stiffness or pain related to overuse of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel
• Golfer’s elbow: Pain in the forearm and wrist associated with improper form or overuse of these muscles

While many people associate tendon injuries with athletes or older people, anyone can experience tendon pain. Regardless of your age or activity level, it is possible to experience tendon pain that can impact your daily activities and quality of life.

What Causes Tendon Pain?

Tendon pain is often related to the way a person uses that part of their body. For example, people who engage in heavy exercise or play certain sports may be more likely to experience tendon pain related to these activities. Tendon pain may be more likely in those who do not rest properly or increase their activity too quickly.

However, anyone can experience pain, stiffness, or swelling in their tendons–even if they are not especially active or have changed their daily routines. Here is a closer look at some of the most significant risk factors for tendon pain.

Work

People who have repetitive or manual jobs are more likely to develop tendon pain. This includes those who perform repetitive movements or work in awkward positions, such as gardeners or those working in manufacturing.

Age

Tendons gradually lose flexibility over time. Increased tendon stiffness can mean a greater risk of strain or stress, even when activity levels and movement stay the same.

Medical conditions

Some medical conditions can increase the risk of tendinitis. People with diabetes and those taking certain medications, like aromatase inhibitors and some antibiotics, may be more likely to experience tendon pain.

It is essential to recognize and treat tendon pain as quickly as possible. Going without treatment puts you at greater risk of significant damage, including tears. In some cases, tendon tears can only be repaired with invasive surgeries. Preventing tendon pain and addressing existing issues can reduce the risk of needing more serious interventions.

There are several treatment options to address tendon pain. Some focus on reducing pain, while others get to the root of the pain and support more holistic healing. Contact the Hartman Center specialists to explore tendon pain treatment options and to choose the one that is best for your unique needs.

What is ESWT?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a holistic approach to treating several health conditions, including tendon pain. It was originally developed to treat kidney stones. Today, medical practitioners use it to address a range of issues involving inflammation or tissue damage.

ESWT uses gentle sound waves to increase blood flow to specific areas of the body and break up or loosen stiff tissue. Some of the most common conditions ESWT can treat include:

• Foot, knee, and ankle injuries
• Hip pain
• Back pain
• Elbow and shoulder pain

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy directs gentle shockwaves to these areas of the body, encouraging the body to direct more blood flow there. This can reduce inflammation, encouraging the body to replace damaged tissue with new, healthy tissue.

Instead of simply numbing or dulling pain, ESWT supports the body’s natural healing ability. People who undergo extracorporeal shockwave therapy can experience significant reductions in pain and stiffness. They may have greater comfort, flexibility, and strength in areas that once caused significant discomfort. In many cases, people who undergo EWST delay or avoid more invasive forms of treatment, like steroids or surgery.

Potential Risks and Benefits of ESWT

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is considered safe and effective for most people. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of ESWT can help you make the best decisions about your health and wellness.

Benefits of ESWT

Some of the most significant benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy include:

• Increased blood flow and collagen production in affected areas
• Decreased inflammation
• Development of new tissue at the site of overuse or injury
• Increased flexibility of tendons
• Non-invasive, comfortable treatment sessions
• Minimal downtime after treatment

People may experience significant benefits after undergoing ESWT, even if they have not experienced improvements from other forms of treatment.

Potential risks of ESWT

While ESWT is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential side effects that may occur during or after treatment. These include:

• Mild aching during or after treatment sessions
• Minor, temporary redness or swelling at the treatment site after ESWT sessions
• Temporary numbness in the treatment area

It is important to discuss your medical history with your medical practitioner before undergoing ESWT. Your provider may advise you to avoid this treatment if you are pregnant, have an active infection, or have other specific medical conditions.

What are Cortisone Injections?

Cortisone shots are a common method of addressing tendon pain. In this approach, a healthcare provider injects a corticosteroid medication directly into the affected area. This medication often contains a local anesthetic drug, which provides immediate pain relief.

In addition to addressing tendon pain, healthcare providers may recommend cortisone injections to people with a range of pain-causing conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Back pain
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis

In many cases, healthcare providers limit the number of cortisone injections an individual may receive in a year because of the potential for serious side effects.

The Risks of Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections may be effective in helping to relieve pain related to certain medical conditions or injuries. However, there are significant risks associated with this treatment.

The risks of cortisone injections include:

• Infection
• Cartilage damage
• Bone death
• Nerve damage
• Weakening or rupture of the tendon
• Osteoporosis in the bones near the injection site
• Short-term increase in pain and inflammation in the tissue near the injection site

The risks of cortisone shots increase with larger or more frequent doses. People may be required to stop taking certain medications or supplements before receiving a cortisone injection to prevent serious complications.

Cortisone shots do not address the cause of pain. They simply mask pain. In some cases, this may help people engage in physical therapy more effectively. However, some people may re-injure themselves or perform activities that put additional stress on damaged tendons because cortisone’s effects mask the protective pain signal. This can lead to further damage in the future.

ESWT vs. Cortisone Injections: Which is Right for Me?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and cortisone injections both aim to reduce tendon pain by decreasing inflammation. But how can you determine which treatment is right for you?

When it comes to addressing the root cause of pain, extracorporeal shockwave therapy is the clear choice. ESWT encourages the body to heal damaged tendons and tissues, leading to long-lasting relief from pain and stiffness. People who undergo ESWT typically experience significant improvements in comfort, range of motion, and function, with minimal side effects or complications.

Cortisone injections provide immediate relief from pain, but do not address the roots of pain. Instead of healing tissue, cortisone shots numb uncomfortable sensations in the tendons, which can lead to repeated injury and more significant issues. Cortisone shots may also cause serious side effects that can have an impact on future functioning and quality of life.

Find Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Now

If you experience tendon pain, you don’t have to settle for simply masking your discomfort. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy addresses the problem at the roots, allowing for true healing and long-lasting results.

Contact the Hartman Center specialists now to learn more about ESWT or to explore our other holistic therapies. Reach out to our team today with questions or to schedule an intake assessment. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to optimal health and wellness.