Upper-extremity tendinitis and overuse syndromes in the athlete

Overuse injuries are the result of repetitive microtrauma to the musculotendinous unit. Treatment protocols are based on the stage of the inflammatory process that is active at the time of diagnosis. Control of the inflammatory response with rest, elevation, and ice is the treatment objective during the inflammatory stage. Prevention of further injury is the primary treatment goal throughout the proliferative phase. Once the inflammatory process has reached the maturation stage, rehabilitation can begin with flexibility exercises, isometric contractions, and a slow return to strength training. Surgical decompression is frequently necessary if chronic inflammation causes fibrosis of the fibro-osseous tendon sheaths. Anomalous muscle bellies and tendinous interconnections can be contributing factors to overuse syndromes. Properly structured training programs and rehabilitation regimens can prevent tendinitis and overuse syndromes.