Tendonitis

Home care

• Some people find relief with ice packs. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel or cloth before using. Don't put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.

• Other people get better relief with heat. This can include a hot shower, hot bath, or a moist towel warmed in a microwave. Try each and use the method that feels best for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

• Rest the inflamed joint and protect it from movement.

• You may use over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen to treat pain and inflammation, unless another medicine was prescribed. If you can't take these medicines, acetaminophen may help with the pain. But it doesn't treat inflammation. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, have ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, or take blood thinners, talk with your health care provider before using these medicines.

• As your symptoms improve, begin gradual motion at the affected joint.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider if you're not improving after 5 to 7 days of treatment.

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• Redness over the painful area.

• More pain or swelling at the joint.

• A fever lasting 24 to 48 hours or as advised by your provider.

• Chills.