Inflammation of a tendon is called tendonitis. The symptoms of tendonitis include dull pain, especially while moving the affected joint, mild inflammation and tenderness, which can be easily treated with rest, medications and physical therapy. Rarely tendons rupture due to severe tendonitis. Surgery is needed to repair the ruptured tendon.
Treatment for tendonitis focuses on reducing pain and inflammation. In addition to resting the affected joint or limb, medications are used to accelerate the healing process. Tendonitis drugs include pain relief medications and corticosteroids.
The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used as first line treatment for reducing pain and inflammation. Along with oral NSAIDs, topical anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used for alleviating the symptoms of tendonitis. Topical anti-inflammatory medicines are considered safer than oral drugs.
Best Medications To Treat Tendonitis
1. Trolamine Salicylate
Trolamine salicylate is used topically for reducing pain and inflammation. It is topical anti-inflammatory drug. This topical salicylate drug is available over-the-counter for treating the symptoms of tendonitis. It is usually applied to the affected area three to four times daily.Topical medications should not be used when the skin is broken or injured. Topical salicylate drugs rarely cause serious side effects. Rare side effects of the drug include irritation or blistering of the skin at the treated site, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, dizziness and breathing difficulties. This drug is usually not recommended for people allergic to salicylate drugs such as aspirin.
2. Aspirin
Aspirin is one of the most widely used NSAIDs for treating tendonitis pain and inflammation. Depending upon the severity of the pain, over-the-counter aspirin can be taken every four to six hours. You may require prescription aspirin for reducing moderate to severe tendonitis pain. Aspirin is usually not recommended for children and teenagers. Although serious side effects of aspirin are rare when used appropriately, in few cases it causes heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and allergic reactions.
3. Ibuprofen
Mild tendonitis may be treated with ibuprofen. This pain relief drug is considered safe for children. Non-prescription ibuprofen can be taken four to six times a day for reducing pain.Children should not use this NSAID more than four times a day. To avoid digestion problems, ibuprofen should be taken with milk or food. Diarrhea or constipation, bloating, ringing in the ear and dizziness are possible side effects of the drug.
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4. Naproxen
Mild to moderate tendonitis pain and inflammation may be treated with naproxen. Adults can take 250 to 500 mg of the NSAID medicine twice a day. To prevent stomach upset, it should be taken with food. It may cause diarrhea or constipation, nausea, ringing in the ear, dizziness, headache, heartburn, abdominal pain and breathing difficulties.
5. Indomethacin
Indomethacin is a prescription NSAID used for treating moderate to severe tendonitis pain.It is taken orally two to four times daily with food. Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, headache, irritation of the rectum and ringing in the ear are possible side effects of the drug.
6. Corticosteroid
Corticosteroid injections may be injected around the affected tendon to provide rapid relief from tendonitis pain and inflammation. However, corticosteroid injections should be used occasionally. Frequent use of corticosteroid weakens the tendon, thereby increasing the risk of tendon rupture.
7. Meloxicam
Severe tendonitis pain can be treated with meloxicam. This NSAID is available by prescription.It is usually taken once daily. Gas, diarrhea or constipation, cough, sore throat and runny nose are possible side effects of the drug.
