Tenosynovitis: what is it, main symptoms and treatment

Tenosinovitis is the inflammation of a tendon and tissue that covers a group of tendons, called a tendinous vein, which causes symptoms such as local pain and a sensation of muscle weakness in the affected area. Some of the most common types of tenosynovitis include Quervain’s tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, both on the wrist. Know the main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Generally, tenosinovitis is more frequent after an injury close to the tendon, and for that reason, it is a relatively common injury in athletes or people who perform a lot of repetitive movements, such as carpenters or dentists, for example, without embargo, also can be originate from infections or complications from other degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Depending on the cause, tenosinovitis is curable and it is always possible to alleviate the symptoms with adequate treatment, which may include anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, for example, always under the guidance of a traumatologist.

main symptoms

The most common symptoms of tenosinovitis can include:

• Difficulty moving a joint;
• Pain in a tendon;
• Skin tightening on the affected tendon;
• Lack of muscular strength.

These symptoms can appear slowly over the course of the time and in places where tendons are more susceptible to injuries, such as men, pies or muñecas. However, tenosinovitis can develop in any tendon of the body, including the tendons of the shoulder region, the rodilla and the codo, for example.

How to confirm the diagnosis

In the majority of cases, tenosinovitis can be diagnosed by a traumatologist with only the evaluation of the symptoms presented, without embargo, the doctor can request other exams such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance, for example.

What can cause tenosynovitis?

Tenosinovitis is much more frequent in athletes or professionals from areas where it is necessary to carry out several repetitive movements, such as carpenters, dentists, musicians or secretariats, for example, because there is a greater risk of developing an injury in the tendon.

However, tenosinovitis can also arise when there is some type of infection in the body or as a complication of other degenerative diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, gout, diabetes or reactive arthritis.

The cause is always determined in all cases, however, the doctor can recommend the treatment to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the person.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment for tenosynovitis should always be guided by a traumatologist or physical therapist, but generally, it aims to reduce inflammation and pain. For this, it is recommended to keep the affected area at rest whenever possible, avoiding activities that could have caused the initial injury.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe the use of anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenac or Ibuprofen, to reduce swelling and pain. However, other more natural strategies, such as massages, stretching, and the use of ultrasound, can also improve tendon inflammation. Know some exercises to stretch tendons and relieve pain.

In more serious situations, in which the symptoms do not improve with any of these strategies, the traumatologist can recommend injections of corticosteroids directly beside the affected tendon and, ultimately, surgery.

Physiotherapy for tenosynovitis

Physiotherapy is indicated for all cases of tenosynovitis, even after the symptoms have improved, and it helps to stretch the tendons and strengthen the muscles, ensuring that the problem does not arise.