No matter how it’s described, everyone agrees that a tendon strain is extremely painful. Usually a tendon strain means that due to something that caused the injury, the tendons inside were abnormally stretched. Put simply, tendons tie our bones to our muscles and they can be injured in playing sports, for example, or when an ankle twists wrongly.

Tendon injury can occur at different degrees, the worst of all is the stretching of a tendon to the point of rupturing the tendon. Tendon injuries can occur by overuse, falling and playing rigorously.

The arms, legs, feet and wrists can all be at risk of tendon strain when there is excessive stress and force placed on these tendons. Improperly lifting weights can cause tendon strain in weightlifters. Skiers may be at risk of a common tendon strain while falling that can tear the rotator cuff tendon in the shoulders.

When you twist your foot, for instance, you are overstretching the Achilles tendon, which is found right above your heel. This tendon is used a tremendous amount as it is what accelerates your body forward when starting a footrace, for example. People have been known to suffer a tendon strain when trying to stand on tiptoe as an example, if they have not kept that particular tendon moving properly prior to the injury.

Depending upon the degree of the injury, tendon strain is treatable in various ways. Immediate surgery is recommendable after snapping a tendon, since this type of injury can cause permanent damage and result in permanent disability if there is no surgery as a medical treatment for this problem.

Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation or R.I.C.E. applications work well as a treatment for tendon strain, when there is no need for surgery. However, it is debatable as to the amount of rest that is called for to relieve this problem. Not stretching the tendon can cause a premature shortening of the tendon. It may even cause more serious medical problems; therefore, medical professionals agree that a slow stretching is essential for the tendon on a daily basis, to prevent such occurrences.

Ice should never be left on the area for more than twenty minutes at a time; you will also need to cover the area in order to protect the skin from direct contact with the ice. Some swelling will occur in the injured area; however, ice can help to prevent swelling.

You can limit swelling by using a compress, however do be sure not make the compress too tight by the use of say an ace bandage.

Elevation is important for limiting swelling as well. However, the elevation of the body part should be above your heart for it to be most effective.

Keeping your range of motion after such an injury is necessary. Again, the injured tendon strain area needs to be very carefully exercised, sometimes while heat is applied if the swelling has gone down completely. Strengthening exercises will eventually follow for complete recovery.

Tom Nicholson spends his time helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can click here to find out more about having a sore wrist.