How come there's tendon sheath inflammation in the 20s?

Tenosynovitis is a chronic aseptic inflammation caused by repeated mechanical friction of the tendon sheath. Developing tenosynovitis in one's twenties may be due to chronic strain, congenital tendon abnormalities, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, gout, or other causes.

1. Chronic strain

Prolonged and repetitive joint movements, such as operating a computer or using a mobile phone, may lead to excessive friction between tendons and tendon sheaths, causing injurious inflammation of the tendon sheath and tendon, resulting in tenosynovitis.

2. Congenital tendon abnormalities

If during growth and development the tendon and tendon sheath do not develop in coordination—such as relatively slower development of the tendon sheath compared to faster-growing tendons—mutual compression can occur, leading to tenosynovitis.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

This condition is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects joints and surrounding tissues, causing inflammatory reactions and swelling around the joints. If the inflammation spreads to areas surrounding the tendon sheaths, it can trigger tenosynovitis.

4. Diabetes

Sustained high blood glucose levels can easily damage nerves and reduce elasticity of soft tissues, making the tendon sheaths more susceptible to injury and subsequent inflammatory responses.

5. Gout

Due to abnormal uric acid metabolism, joint inflammation and deposition of uric acid crystals may occur, affecting soft tissues of the tendon sheath and triggering episodes of tenosynovitis.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and follow medical guidance for treatment with medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, naproxen capsules, or prednisolone acetate tablets, or consider treatments like splinting or drainage procedures. Maintaining healthy daily habits can also help reduce the risk of developing this condition.