- 1). Rest the tendon and the surrounding area, and make sure you're sleeping enough each night. Don't place stress on the affected area, particularly through repetitive motions. Exercise is fine, but if the injury begins to become at all painful, stop your workout immediately.
- 2). Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes, then place a heating pad on for an additional 15 or 20 minutes. Alternate between ice and heat for an hour twice daily. The heat will relax the muscle and tendon, while ice will relieve inflammation and soothe pain. In both cases, place a wash cloth between the heat or ice and your skin.
- 3). Take over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil) as directed. Refrain from administering aspirin to children and adolescents, however, as studies have shown a link between children taking aspirin and Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.
- 4). Prevent your joint from becoming stiff by moving it to the full extent of its ability from time to time, even during your resting periods. Increase the amount of time you move it as the pain begins to subside.
- 5). See your doctor or orthopedist if the pain persists or gets worse. In cases of severe injuries, physical therapy or even surgery may be required to restore the tendon to its full capacity.
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