Tendon Sheath inflammation on the hand is one of the most common diseases that make the patient to turn to an orthopedic specialist. However, this occurs mostly, when the limb is barely movable. What are the symptoms of the disease and how to treat it? We’re going to tell you in a nutshell.

Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the lining of the sheath that surrounds a tendon. The tendon is a type of fibrous tissue that connects the muscles to the bones. Its function is to control actions such as running and jumping. The synovium (protective sheath) covers the tendons. It produces synovial fluid, that keeps the tendon lubricated.

The two main source of Tendon Sheath inflammation are mechanical irritation and infection. There are two common types of the disease, such as fibrinous and purulent tenosynovitis.

Fibrinous tenosynovitis is caused by repetitive movements even as typing, using a mouse, or doing the housework. It occurs most commonly on the dorsalis (back of the hand) where the wrist and the thumb meet. This type of inflammation means that the content of the matter, that helps the movement of the tendon, changes. It leads to stabbing pain. Moving the fingers becomes difficult, and there is a specific rustling noise while moving.

Tendon Sheath inflammation may also occur as a result of primary infection, when inflammation is caused by a pinprick for instance, or as a secondary inflammation from surrounding tissues (purulent tenosynovitis). The symptoms usually develops quickly with spontaneous pain and pressure sensitivity. The affected finger is red, swollen, which can spread to adjacent fingers. It can cause high fever.

It is very important to meet an orthopedist when symptoms occur. Before treatment, the patient can reduce the inflammation by resting the affected body part. Anti-inflammatory creams and cold compress can relieve pain.

After setting up the proper diagnosis, the treatment can be different for the two types of tenosynovitis.

In case of mild fibrinous tenosynovitis, cold compress is sufficient, but severe inflammation requires orthopedic treatment, whereby the affected limb is splinted, and the pain is reduced by various anti-inflammatory drugs. Chronic conditions require physiotherapeutic treatments to alleviate symptoms.

When purulent tenosynovitis occurs, the treatment should be started as soon as possible. It is usually performed by a minor surgical procedure. It means that the cavity of the Tendon Sheath is rinsed with an antibiotic fluid and the limb is stabilized in a plaster splint.

In both cases, healing lasts for weeks, but the required conditioning should not be ceased even if the pain has been alleviated, as the new load may cause inflammation again.

The development of Tendon Sheath inflammation can be avoided by taking a break when doing monotonous work that strains the hands. When symptoms occur, it is highly recommended to rest your limb and consult an orthopedist.