Why does tendinitis take so long to heal?

Question

It's been eight months, and I miss playing racquetball. I'm 42.

Answer 1

Hmm. How severe is it? Even though you aren't playing racquetball, are you still doing things that strains the injured area too much?
Have you gone to the doctor? If so, has his treatment been helping you? If not....I'd suggest getting a second opinion.

Simply, tendons just take a long time to heal. It sucks, but it's true. And depending on how severe your injury is, it may take a while. Most doctors suggest that you rest and then gradually return to your normal exercise/athletic activity.

I've had tendinitis in BOTH of my knees since I was TWELVE. Not so great. :( I'm assuming that it's a recurring issue since it still gives me problems today.
When I used to go to the doctor regularly, he'd prescribe some medicine, and I'd feel better afterwhile. *Bit of advice....if you're taking Tylenol for swelling......then STOP. A little thing I learned in my Drugs & Behavior psychology class is that Tylenol is not an anti flammatory drug...it'll get rid of some of the pain...but not the swelling.*
I noticed that when I stayed active, my knees hurt less. I mean...imagine having surgery on your elbow and never moving it while it heals, and then trying to move it AFTERWARDS. It's gonna hurt like heck. So...I'd say....stay active, but don't overdo it.

Good luck. :)

Answer 2

Because tendons have a much more limited blood supply than soft tissue and even bone. At 42 you're far more prone to develop arthritis in that joint than at 32 or 22.
You might ask your physician to refer you to a sports medicine specialist. Perhaps this person - also an MD - has some suggestions your regular physician isn't aware of.
But there is a sad reality you may have to face: you may never be quite the athlete you once were. Don't go bouncing from doctor to doctor seeking a miracle, and for heaven's sake, don't fall for any of the many "alternative medicine" scams that abound. You'll waste good money and still feel rotten, and then be mad at yourself for doing something so foolish.

Answer 3

I have it in my wrists and it never heals. It is recurring. Play racquetball, just use a brace. By the way, I have had it for two years and I'm 13. I have a long way to go

Answer 4

You've got TWO things working against you. No matter HOW carefull you are- you're GOING to be using those "involved" tendons alittle. So that REALLY prolongs the healing process. Secondly, -I notice you're not quite the "Young Turk"- you used to be (Neither am I- for that matter). And Racquetball is Young Turk's "sport". It's just NATURALLY going to take YOUR tendons alittle longer to heal up. Try to give it alittle more time & pacience...-& remember to EASE into the Sport again- GRADUALLY. You'll be back on the Court- before you know it! :)