tenosynovitis The tendon sheath is a semi-circular structure near the joint, which encircles the tendon tissue and serves to stabilize the tendons. During joint movement, there can be friction between the tendon and the tendon sheath, and excessive friction can lead to inflammation, causing tenosynovitis.

The tendon sheath is a semicircular structure near the joint that encircles and stabilizes the tendon tissue. When the joint moves, there is friction between the tendon and the tendon sheath. Excessive friction can lead to inflammation, causing tendon sheath inflammation. Tendon sheath inflammation refers to the acute and chronic inflammatory response that occurs in the tendon sheath. Under normal circumstances, the tendon sheath encircles the tendon (commonly referred to as "tendon") and helps maintain the flexibility of the tendon. Due to excessive friction between the tendon sheath and the tendon, the tendon sheath tissue can become swollen and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as local pain, tenderness, and restricted joint movement.

Narrowing tendon sheath inflammation

The main cause of narrowing tendon sheath inflammation is chronic overuse.

Tendon sheath inflammation in the fingers and wrists

Tendon sheath inflammation in the fingers and wrists is often caused by prolonged and excessive use of the fingers or wrist joints, such as knitting, washing clothes, playing musical instruments, typing, etc.

Bicipital tendon sheath inflammation

It is common in individuals who engage in prolonged shoulder activities, such as manual laborers, wrestlers, etc. The pathogenesis is similar to wrist tendon sheath inflammation, where the tendon undergoes prolonged wear and tear.

Tendon sheath inflammation in the ankle

It often occurs in individuals with frequent ankle joint movements, such as track and field athletes, mountaineers, dancers, etc. Most cases result from cumulative repetitive strain injuries. In some patients, external compression can also cause the condition, such as tight shoelaces in long-distance runners or tight pedal straps in cyclists.

Congenital flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath inflammation in children

The exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to abnormal sesamoid bone growth or abnormal development of the tendon sheath and tendon.

Purulent tendon sheath inflammation

It is often caused by bacterial infection when the tendon sheath is punctured or during intra-tendon sheath injections.

Acute fibrous tendon sheath inflammation

It occurs when the connective tissue around the tendon sheath becomes congested and swollen, pressing on the tendon. Friction between the tendon and the tendon sheath during joint movement leads to inflammation.

Acute serous tendon sheath inflammation

Also known as rheumatic tendon sheath inflammation, it is a reaction of acute rheumatic fever.

Tuberculous tendon sheath inflammation

It is mostly caused by direct spread from nearby bone and joint tuberculosis lesions.

Narrowing tendon sheath inflammation

Trigger finger and trigger thumb

In the early stages, there is a sour pain sensation at the base of the fingers, more pronounced in the morning, and is alleviated after slight activity.

Some patients may experience radiating pain towards the wrist or fingertips. When the fingers are bent, a triggering motion and clicking sound may occur, and in severe cases, the fingers may not be able to bend or straighten.

Tendon sheath inflammation of the finger flexor tendons most commonly occurs in the thumb, followed by the ring finger, middle finger, little finger, and index finger. Painful nodules can be felt on the palmar side of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Children with trigger thumb often have it in both thumbs, with symptoms including clicking or inability to straighten the thumb during movement, which can be noticed by attentive parents within a few months after birth, or in some cases, at the age of 3 to 4 years.

Bicipital tendon sheath inflammation

Bicipital tendon sheath inflammation manifests as shoulder pain and restricted shoulder joint movement, with pain primarily located in the front of the shoulder joint. Nighttime pain may intensify, and if left untreated, it can lead to secondary adhesive capsulitis.

Tendon sheath inflammation in the ankle

The main symptoms of ankle tendon sheath inflammation are weakness, pain, local swelling, and tenderness in the ankle joint.

Acute purulent tendon sheath inflammation

Acute purulent tendon sheath inflammation develops rapidly, with notable redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Some patients may develop obvious abscesses, often accompanied by joint movement impairment.

Tuberculous tendon sheath inflammation

Tuberculous tendon sheath inflammation progresses relatively slowly, with mild pain and swelling in the early stages, followed by abscess formation. When the affected tendons are moved, a "snow-grasping sensation" can be felt, and in the later stages, deformity or movement impairment may occur.

Internal and external use of Chinese herbal medicine

Oral medications or topical ointments and washes (steaming, washing) with blood-activating, stasis-resolving, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties can be used. Herbal medicine can be decocted and used to soak the affected area in water, or the herbal residue can be used for hot compress. Sanqi (Panax notoginseng) powder can be applied to medical gauze and then applied to the affected area, with a change every three days and five treatments in one course.

Acupuncture treatment

Needling is performed at the nodular site and surrounding tender points every other day.

Tuina massage

Using loosening techniques such as rubbing and friction, combined with acupressure at acupoints, to release adhesions in local meridians, muscles, and fascia, gradually restoring joint mobility.

Home care for tendon sheath inflammation is crucial. Pay attention to the following points:

During the acute phase, minimize frequent movement of the affected area and prioritize rest.

Engage in passive joint movements and massage appropriately to prevent joint stiffness.

After using a small scalpel or undergoing surgery, ensure that the wound remains clean to prevent infection.

Pay attention to keeping warm and develop the habit of washing hands and soaking feet in warm water.

Control the frequency of joint movement and avoid prolonged and frequent use of the thumb, such as playing mobile games.

Consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, and increase the intake of high-quality protein while avoiding irritating foods.

Quit smoking strictly to prevent the effects of irritants in tobacco from affecting the recovery of the condition.

Prevention of tendon sheath inflammation is equally important. In daily life and work, it is important to:

Control the use time of mobile phones and computers and adjust the posture of use.

Pay attention to a balance of work and rest, avoiding excessive joint strain.

Warm up before exercise and maintain correct exercise or work postures.

After continuous repetitive work, regularly massage and knead the fingers and wrists.

If symptoms such as pain and soreness occur, rest promptly and seek medical attention to prevent the condition from worsening.