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Tightness in tendon – what can I do to fix it?

3 min read

Asked by: Vedavyas Hobson

As an immediate treatment for overuse tendinopathy, doctors and physical therapists often recommend the RICE program: rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured tendon. They may also suggest a short course of aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory drugs to help inflammation and pain.

How do you reduce tendon tightness?

Lifestyle and home remedies

  1. Rest. Avoid activities that increase the pain or swelling. …
  2. Ice. To decrease pain, muscle spasm and swelling, apply ice to the injured area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. …
  3. Compression. …
  4. Elevation.


Why does it feel like my tendons are tight?

Overuse or strain on a joint can irritate tendons and result in tendinitis. Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint.

What disease causes tight tendons?

Tendinitis is a condition where the connective tissues between your muscles and bones (tendons) become inflamed. Often caused by repetitive activities, tendinitis can be painful.



These diseases can include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Gout/pseudogout.
  • Blood or kidney diseases.


Should you stretch an inflamed tendon?

Quick answer, stretching certainly can help decrease the resting tension of the inflamed or degenerative tendon. It is important to note that you need to make sure that your injury is indeed tendonitis. Stretching is not indicated for tendon tears or ruptures.

How do you stretch tendons?

Sit in a chair and extend your affected leg so that your heel is on the floor. With your hand, reach down and pull your big toe up and back (toward your ankle and away from the floor). Hold the position for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, up to 5 sessions a day.

Is heat good for tendonitis?

Heat may be more helpful for chronic tendon pain, often called tendinopathy or tendinosis. Heat can increase blood flow, which may help promote healing of the tendon. Heat also relaxes muscles, which can relieve pain.

How do you loosen tight tendons in legs?

Do stretches when the muscles are warm, not cold. You can warm your muscles up by doing 5 to 10 minutes of light aerobic activity (walking, jogging, using an exercise machine) or even taking a hot shower or bath. It’s also a good idea to do some stretching after you’ve completed your cardio exercise.

Does massage help tendonitis?

For people suffering from tendonitis, it can help with pain relief and speed up the recovery process. Since tendonitis can take weeks to heal, using a massage therapy program to both relax and strengthen the inflamed tendon can give the sufferer a better chance of a full and speedy recovery.

Is it better to ice or heat tendonitis?

For general chronic stiffness, heat may work better. To help with overuse issues such as tendonitis and tendinosis. “I tend to favor ice early on as there is potentially more inflammation at this stage,” says Dr. Wang.

How do you increase blood flow to tendons?

Now as soon as you heat that area up the skin opens the blood vessels. And yeah you flush the area but that doesn't mean you're even flushing the tendon. And remember if you heat it too excessively.

Does CBD help with tendonitis?

CBD oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. A CBD cream can be used directly on the inflamed area, where it will absorb through the skin and provide immediate relief for your tendonitis. CBD oil can be effective in treating tendonitis by relieving pain and reducing swelling.