Tenosynovitis

(Synovitis)

Pronounced: ten-o-sin-o-VITE-is

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tissue that covers a tendon. Tendons are cords that connect bones to muscles. It is most common in the hand, wrist, and foot.

Tenosynovitis

Causes

Common causes are:

Injury
Infection
Strain
Repetitive motions

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

Jobs, sports, or activities that involve repetitive motion
Diseases that cause inflammation, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms

Problems may be swelling and pain, especially with motion.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the painful tendon. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. Imaging tests may be done to confirm it.

A blood test may also be done to look for signs of infection.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease pain and swelling. This will make it easier to move. Options may be:

A brace or splint to prevent motion
Exercises to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Medicine to ease pain and swelling
Antibiotics to treat any infection

Surgery

Surgery may be done if other methods do not help. The surgery will release the tendon and allow it to move freely.

Prevention

To lower the risk of tenosynovitis:

Take breaks from activities.
Adjust workspaces to minimize the strain on joints.

RESOURCES:

American Society for Surgery of the Hand
http://www.assh.org

OrthoInfo—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

De Quervain tendonitis. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated December 2013. Accessed March 25, 2020.

De Quervain tenosynovitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/de-quervain-tenosynovitis-17 . Updated May 14, 2019. Accessed March 25, 2020.

Derry S, Moore RA, et al. Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(6):CD007402.

Goel R, Abzug JM. de Quervain's tenosynovitis: a review of the rehabilitative options. Hand (N Y). 2015 Mar;10(1):1-5.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Last Updated: 3/25/2020

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