Tenosynovitis

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Inflammation of the tendon sheath

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Rest or immobilization of the affected tendons is essential for recovery. You may want to use a splint or a removable brace to help immobilize the tendons. Applying heat or cold to the affected area should help reduce the pain and inflammation.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can relieve pain in addition to reducing inflammation. Local injections of corticosteroids may be useful as well. Some patients require surgery to remove the inflammation surrounding the tendon, but this is not common.

For tenosynovitis caused by infection, your health care provider will prescribe antibiotics. In some severe cases, surgery may be needed to release the pus around the tendon.

After recovery, use strengthening exercises involving the muscles surrounding the affected tendon to help prevent recurrence of the injury.

The probable outcome is full recovery with treatment. However, if the condition is caused by overuse and the offending activity is not stopped, tenosynovitis is likely to recur. In chronic conditions, the tendon may be damaged and recovery may be delayed or incomplete.

If tenosynovitis is left untreated, the tendon may become permanently restricted or it may rupture.

Infection in the tendon may spread to other places in the body, which could have serious consequences.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have pain or difficulty straightening a joint or extremity. If you suspect infection, contact your health care provider immediately.

Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.