Causes of tenosynovitis

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on December 20, 2024
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The causes of tenosynovitis, simply put, the tendon sheath is a double-layered dense synovial tube that encases the tendons. It acts as a protective fluid sheath for the tendons, consisting of two layers enveloping the tendon. Between these two layers is a cavity filled with synovial fluid. The inner layer is closely attached to the tendon, while the outer layer lines the inside of the tendon fibrous sheath, jointly attaching to the bone. It primarily functions to stabilize, protect, and lubricate the tendons, preventing them from friction-induced damage and compression. Long periods of excessive friction can lead to damage in both the tendon and its sheath, leading to swelling and pain, which are the symptoms of tenosynovitis. For example, certain occupations such as bricklayers, carpenters, those who work extensively with computers, and chefs who frequently stir with spoons, as well as seamstresses in textile factories, are prone to developing tenosynovitis. There might be a link between this condition and occupational diseases. In such cases, applying heat can be helpful, and if the pain is particularly severe, enclosed treatments might be conducted. Additionally, taking drugs that promote blood circulation and relieve pain might be advisable. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
51sec home-news-image

How should tendinitis be treated?

Tendinitis is primarily caused by long-term engagement in certain activities, such as prolonged use of mobile phones and mice, which can lead to frequent tendon movement within the tendon sheath, causing traumatic inflammation, and resulting in symptoms such as tendon and tendon sheath swelling, pain, and limited mobility. Treatment for tendinitis is mainly divided into non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatment mainly involves rest, the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, and treatment methods such as hot compresses, physical therapy, and local injections. These can effectively help improve symptoms of pain and swelling and reduce inflammation. When conservative treatment is ineffective or when there is a dysfunction in mobility, surgical treatment may also be considered.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
1min 26sec home-news-image

Causes of tenosynovitis

The causes of tenosynovitis, simply put, the tendon sheath is a double-layered dense synovial tube that encases the tendons. It acts as a protective fluid sheath for the tendons, consisting of two layers enveloping the tendon. Between these two layers is a cavity filled with synovial fluid. The inner layer is closely attached to the tendon, while the outer layer lines the inside of the tendon fibrous sheath, jointly attaching to the bone. It primarily functions to stabilize, protect, and lubricate the tendons, preventing them from friction-induced damage and compression. Long periods of excessive friction can lead to damage in both the tendon and its sheath, leading to swelling and pain, which are the symptoms of tenosynovitis. For example, certain occupations such as bricklayers, carpenters, those who work extensively with computers, and chefs who frequently stir with spoons, as well as seamstresses in textile factories, are prone to developing tenosynovitis. There might be a link between this condition and occupational diseases. In such cases, applying heat can be helpful, and if the pain is particularly severe, enclosed treatments might be conducted. Additionally, taking drugs that promote blood circulation and relieve pain might be advisable. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Consequences of the deterioration of tenosynovitis

If tenosynovitis recurs repeatedly and is not given enough attention, it can become quite persistent and may not significantly improve with appropriate treatment. In such cases, surgery may be necessary. When tenosynovitis worsens, it leads to local pain, limited movement, and even noticeable swelling. Generally, there is no malignant transformation in the local tissues of tenosynovitis. The underlying mechanism of tenosynovitis involves aseptic inflammation due to the tendons' load-bearing activities. Long-term recurrence can lead to local scar hyperplasia. Post-surgical treatment should avoid repeated load-bearing activities to reduce recurrence.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can tendonitis be massaged?

Tendinitis refers to the condition where, due to excessive flexing and extending movements, adhesions, exudation, and fibrosis occur between the tendon and the tendon sheath, leading to a local aseptic inflammatory response. This results in symptoms such as pain and limited mobility. When tendinitis occurs, it is important to choose the appropriate treatment based on the symptoms, such as adequate rest, avoiding excessive activity, and using physical therapy and heat applications to reduce local inflammation. If necessary, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be used for symptomatic treatment. However, massage does not have a significant effect, and a suitable and systematic treatment approach should be selected based on the symptoms. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)