How to treat tenosynovitis?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 11, 2024
00:00
00:00

Tenosynovitis is mainly caused by prolonged engagement in certain activities, leading to frequent tendon movements within the tendon sheath, which in turn causes inflammatory damage, resulting in swelling, pain, and restricted movement of the tendon and sheath. For the treatment of tenosynovitis, it is important to first rest and stop engaging in the frequent activity. When symptoms occur, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, heat applications, physiotherapy, and local injections can be used for treatment. These methods can play an active role in improving symptoms and reducing inflammatory responses. If conservative treatment is ineffective, or if there is a functional impairment, surgical methods can also be considered for treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
51sec home-news-image

What ointment is used for tenosynovitis?

Tendon sheath inflammation is a sterile inflammation caused by overwork and frequent flexing and extending of the tendon, leading to repeated abrasion and compression within the fibrous sheath of the tendon sheath. This results in local exudation, swelling, and fibrosis, which narrows the sheath canal. If the symptoms are mild, conservative treatment can be chosen, such as applying non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, and topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic plasters for symptomatic treatment, combined with rest, immobilization, and physical therapy to alleviate symptoms. If symptoms worsen, local encapsulation treatment may be necessary. If symptoms persist and conservative treatment is ineffective, then surgery may be required.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 19sec home-news-image

How to treat tenosynovitis?

In clinical practice, the treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis is divided into three stages. The first stage involves general treatments, including early immobilization, followed by localized heat therapy, microwave therapy, and shock wave therapy, as well as the topical application of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications. If there is no improvement after one week of conservative treatment, the second stage is initiated. The second stage involves an injection treatment, which is quite effective for this type of tenosynovitis in clinical practice. Generally, one or two injections can significantly alleviate symptoms, and some people may even fully recover. However, if after three injections the symptoms do not improve or worsen, further injections should be avoided, as this method is not beneficial for you, and you would then proceed to the third stage. The third stage involves surgical treatment. There are two types of surgical treatments: one involves a minor procedure using a small needle knife in traditional Chinese medicine, and the other involves conventional surgery. However, for radial styloid stenosing tenosynovitis, surgery is generally recommended due to the proximity of the radial nerve, which could be at risk of damage.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
44sec home-news-image

How is tenosynovitis treated?

There are various treatment methods for tenosynovitis, mainly based on the severity of the patient's condition. If the tenosynovitis is very severe, such as the occurrence of triggering or local limb flexion and extension limitations, it is necessary to actively pursue surgical treatment. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, typically involving either cutting open the tendon sheath or partially removing it. Post-surgery, it is crucial to actively engage in functional exercises, change dressings, and disinfect the wound to prevent infection. For less severe tenosynovitis, local injection treatments can be an option. Additionally, persistently applying local heat treatments daily can help alleviate symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
47sec home-news-image

How to relieve tenosynovitis

Tendinitis is a chronic occupational disease that can cause inflammatory damage to the tendon and tendon sheath, leading to symptoms such as swelling and limited mobility. For the treatment of tendinitis, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken, or topical ointments can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of tendinitis. It is also important to rest, and treatments such as heat application, physiotherapy, or local injections can be used. These methods can effectively improve symptoms and even achieve a cure. If conservative treatment is ineffective or if there is a functional impairment, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may also be considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
57sec home-news-image

Can tenosynovitis heal itself?

Tendon sheath inflammation is primarily due to long-term engagement in certain frequent activities, causing inflammatory damage to the tendons and tendon sheaths. This results in symptoms such as swelling and limited mobility. It is difficult to cure without treatment intervention. For the treatment of tendon sheath inflammation, it is firstly important to rest and stop the frequent activity. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics can also be used. Additionally, treatments such as applying heat, physiotherapy, and local encapsulation can be employed. Through these treatments, some patients can recover effectively. When there is a significant impact on life due to functional impairment, surgical treatment may also be considered. Post-surgery, it is important to start functional exercises early to prevent adhesion. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)