At 18, Gracie Butler started to feel pain in his leg. His doctor first spoke of tendonitis, prescribing rest and physiotherapy. But the pain persisted and intensified to the point where it could no longer walk. The young woman is then urgently transported to the hospital, where she undergoes an x -ray and a biopsy. Doctors eventually diagnose a rare pathology: a fusiform cell sarcoma.
Revolutionary and difficult treatment
Gracie quickly started chemotherapy, followed by an innovative operation: her tibia was removed, irradiated to eliminate cancer cells, then replaced with metal plates.
Unfortunately, there have been many complications for her. A wound of 20 cm difficult to heal, recurring infections, skin burns and several ulcers, linked to chemotherapy.
His treatment had to be temporarily suspended to allow his body to recover. Six months later, she was able to resume chemotherapy and finally defeat the disease.
When tendinitis hides something else
How to distinguish tendonitis from a more serious evil? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor, underlines that “The distinction can be subtle at the beginning“But some signs must alert. According to him, we must monitor”Pain that worsens despite rest and usual treatments“,”night pain that awakens or prevents sleeping“, or”The appearance of a mass or swelling which gradually grows “.
Other symptoms may also indicate a more serious problem:
- Persistent pain at rest;
- An absence of improvement after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment;
- Or disproportionate pain in relation to activity.
In order not to fall into hypochondria, Dr. Kierzek advises to follow the evolution in a structured manner: “Give the initial diagnosis for a few weeks: a real tendinitis generally improves quickly “.
He also recommends keeping a symptom newspaper, noting the intensity of pain when it occurs. But also what relieves it or worsens it.
Finally, he insists: “If no improvement appears after 3 to 4 weeks, see again and do not hesitate to request a second opinion or additional exams “.