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Tenosynovitis - Tenosynovitis symptom, treatment, causes

Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of a tendon (Tenosynovitis) usually occurs simultaneously with that of the sheath sur-rounding it (tenosynovitis). The cause is often unknown, but the condition mostly affects middle-aged or older people after repeated slight strains or excessive unaccustomed activity. Tenosynovitis may also occur in generalised rheumatic diseases such as RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS and GOUT, and on rare occasions may result from infection following a penetrating injury or from bacteria carried in the blood.

The inflammation most often affects tendons around the shoulders and hips, those that bend the wrists and fingers and straighten the thumbs, the Achilles tendons at the back of the heels. and tendons behind the knees.

Affected tendons are painful on movement and may be swollen by inflammation and fluid accumulation, or they may remain dry and cause a grating feeling when the tendon is moved. Calcium deposits in the tendon may be seen on X-ray.

An example of tenosynovitis is 'trigger finger' the locking of one or more fingers in a bent position. When the muscle that bends the finger contracts, its tendon is pulled along its sheath; swelling then prevents it from slipping back to allow straightening of the finger.

Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the fluid -filled sheath (called the synovium ) that surrounds a tendon. It most commonly affects the tendons of the hand, wrist and arms, although it may occur at other tendon sites. When the finger tendon is inflamed, the synovium swells. Then the tendon cannot slide easily through the synovium. When you straighten your finger, the tendon locks or sticks as it squeezes through the too-small synovium. It usually occurs with tendonitis and it is related to stenosing tenosynovitis. Symptoms of Trigger Finger range from pain where the finger or thumb joints join the palm, swelling, and locked joints. Possible treatments for tenosynovitis include cortisone injections and an outpatient surgery to enlarge the synovium. The hand is splinted for a week or so. Causes of Trigger Finger are unknown. Repeated use of hand tools can precede the condition, as well as arthritis or injury. Trigger Finger sometimes runs in families, and is generally seen more often in males than in females. The causes for children are even less known and have a reoccurance rate of less than 1-5% after treatment.

Tenosynovitis is the tender swelling of the rope or cord like structures (tendons) which connect muscles to the bones in order to work the joints of the body and their slithery covering (synovial sheath). When the gliding surfaces of the tendon and sheath become roughened and inflamed from overuse, Tenosynovitis will present as aching, tenderness and swelling of the affected area. A form of Tenosynovitis involving the tendons of the deep muscles at the back of the forearm is known as Peritendinitis. De Quervain's or Stenosing Tenosynovitis results from inflammation or constriction of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.

Causes of Tenosynovitis

The common Causes of Tenosynovitis :

• Injury.
• Strain.
• Genetics.
• Age.
• Infection.
• Diabetes and other conditions may worsen tenosynovitis.

Symptoms of Tenosynovitis

Some common Tenosynovitis :

• Joint swelling.
• Joint pain.
• Difficulty moving a joint.
• Joint stiffness.
• Pain and stiffness in the wrist .
• Fixed flexion deformity .
• Tenderness over the tendon.
• Lump formation

Treatment of Tenosynovitis

Treatment is by rest or immobilisation of the part in a splint or plaster cast, application of heat or cold (whichever helps morel. NON-STEROID ALANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS and in some cases injec-tion of CORTICO STEROID DRUGS into the tendon sheath. After the inflammation has been controlled, a graduated exercise program is advised to prevent 'freezing' of tendons in their sheaths.

• In most cases you should seek professional advice. This is usually from a doctor or physiotherapist, but chiropractors and osteopaths are expert in this area as well. (It is wise to check that such a professional is a registered practitioner, in the same way you would expect your doctor to be.).
• From the point of view of immediate relief, it helps to rest the joint and cold compresses may also help. It may be beneficial to try an anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen as long as you are not allergic to this, do not have a history of stomach or duodenal ulcer , and know of no other reason why you should not.
• Your doctor may try these or stronger drugs of a similar type, may organise physiotherapy, or may suggest a steroid injection. Do not be alarmed by this, although nothing is without any possible side effects, these are few, and the injection is usually very helpful. The sort of steroid involved is the sort that athletes are allowed to use, and it will not cause you to grow huge muscles.