Itis Schmitis

Continued...

Diagnosis and Treatment

Many treatments for different types of inflammation are specific to the injury. See a sports medicine physician early for accurate diagnosis and treatment. She can prescribe medication and physical therapy and monitor your progress so you don't return to action prematurely.

Your physician may also recommend one or two anti-inflammatory injections near the area (not in the tendon) to further decrease inflammation. In some cases, such as bursitis, excess fluid may need to be drained.

One of the basic goals when treating inflammation is to remove or reverse the cause. In other words, give it a rest. Iif you constantly pick at a scab on your skin, eventually you'll end up with a scar. The same is true with inflammation of tissue under the skin. If you continue to exercise through pain, scar tissue will form, leaving you with a chronic problem.

To reduce inflammation, apply ice to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day for the first 72 hours. After three days, apply ice after you work out or when the pain seems to be coming back. Support the affected area with tape, an elastic bandage, an arch support or a heel lift to take pressure off the injured area. If necessary use crutches or a sling to make sure you don't continue to irritate the injury.

Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil or Nuprin, or get a prescription from your doctor for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. A physical therapist can teach you how to stretch and strengthen the injured area and treat the injury with electrical stimulation, ultrasound or an iced whirlpool.

To keep aerobically fit, you may cycle, swim or do some other activity that does not irritate the injured area. Make sure your injury is healed before you begin exercises that involve the injured body part. Then gradually increase your activity (adding no more than 10 percent to 20 percent a week), exercise on cushioned surfaces such as grass or mats and wear well-cushioned footwear designed for your activity.

What else can you do?

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
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Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention