What should I do about calcific tendinitis?

Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
Updated on February 06, 2025
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In cases of calcific tendinitis, which is a relatively severe form of tendinitis, conservative treatment should initially be considered. It is important to reduce repeated external forces on the tendon area, ensure the area is kept warm, and treatments like small needle-knife loosening, orthopedic herbal fumigation soaking, or combined with physical therapy and electric heating can be used to soften the calcified tendon tissue, which can alleviate clinical symptoms. If the condition does not improve after conservative treatment, or if it recurs, surgical intervention may be considered as the next step. This could involve tendon release surgery or sheathectomy. Early joint movement is necessary after the surgery to avoid joint adhesion.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can tendinitis be treated with acupuncture?

The occurrence of tendinitis is mostly due to local overuse and trauma, which causes local stagnation of qi and blood, and blockage of the meridians. As a result, there may be adhesion and pain in the tendons. Acupuncture is particularly effective in dredging meridians, activating blood circulation, and relieving pain quickly. Therefore, acupuncture can be very effective for tendinitis. We can perform acupuncture treatment by needling the painful area and selecting points along the meridian. Generally, the effects of acupuncture are favorable. If combined with other conservative treatment methods, it can produce significant results.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Which location to massage for tendinitis

Since a tendon is a bundle that extends from the muscle belly and is elongated, during massage, one should not only focus on the painful area but should consider the entire muscle and tendon. Massaging only the painful area is similar to the notion of treating just the head for a headache or just the foot for foot pain. Therefore, when massaging, it is necessary to cover the entire muscle from its origin to its insertion, reaching the painful parts of the tendon. Also, one should avoid rough massage techniques; instead, gentle manipulations are encouraged. Otherwise, it could lead to counterproductive effects and not be beneficial. Gentle massage or heat application are both acceptable methods.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to treat tendonitis and strains?

How to treat tendinitis and strain? That is, in cases with tendinitis that have also resulted in acute injury, the approach should align with treating acute injuries associated with tendinitis. Firstly, rest and immobilization. Resting helps to prevent further injury, and immobilization allows joints or tendons time to relax, rest, and repair. Secondly, apply ice. Ice should be applied to the injured area immediately after the injury. Typically, the first icing lasts for half an hour, followed by subsequent half-hour sessions every three hours, continuing up to 48 hours, after which it should switch to heat application. Thirdly, immobilize the joint or tendon. Immobilization serves two purposes: first, to prevent the injury from worsening; second, to help prevent further swelling. Fourthly, the injured limb should be elevated, raised above the level of the heart by 30 degrees. This is the internationally renowned RICE principle for treating tendon strains and injuries, focusing primarily on four aspects: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can tendinitis heal on its own without treatment?

Tendinitis is a sterile inflammation of the tendon, manifested as localized fatigue damage to the tendon, which may involve tension, spasm, and adhesion of the tendon. Generally, there is some sterile exudation, and there may be some edema and swelling. Generally, patients with tendinitis are advised to rest initially. Some patients with milder conditions may heal on their own after resting, without treatment. However, for more severe cases, recovery may be slow and less effective if they only rest without treatment. In such cases, treatments like acupuncture, moxibustion, electrotherapy, and application of medicated plasters along with immobilization can generally achieve good results.

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Written by Dai Ru
Orthopedics
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How long does it take for tendonitis to heal?

Tendons are a type of tough connective tissue that connects muscles to bones. When tendons are subjected to repeated excessive stretching, excessive stimulation, or injury, it can lead to localized pathological changes, causing pain, swelling, and dysfunction at the affected site. This may also involve the tendon sheath that envelopes the tendon, leading to a series of aseptic inflammatory responses, thereby causing dysfunction and a range of symptoms in the affected area. Generally, after sufficient rest, avoiding intense activities, and the appropriate use of anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, recovery can be achieved in about two weeks.