What are the symptoms of tenosynovitis?

Sep 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Chen Jian

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of tenosynovitis include local pain, restricted joint movement, local swelling, snapping finger or thumb, and a sensation of local heat. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Daily activities should involve reducing movement of the affected joint, avoiding prolonged repetition of the same motion, and preventing further friction between the tendon and tendon sheath.

Generally, the main symptoms of tenosynovitis include localized pain, restricted joint movement, local swelling, snapping finger or thumb, and a sensation of warmth in the affected area. If discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Localized Pain

Inflammation caused by repeated friction between the tendon and tendon sheath stimulates surrounding nerve endings, resulting in localized pain. The pain is often sharp or aching, worsening with joint movement and temporarily relieved with rest. Some patients experience more pronounced pain at night or upon waking in the morning, and pressing on the affected area intensifies the discomfort.

2. Restricted Joint Movement

Inflammation causes thickening and narrowing of the tendon sheath, hindering normal tendon gliding and leading to restricted joint movement. Patients may find it difficult to flex or extend the affected joint freely, experiencing stiffness when performing actions such as gripping or rotating. In severe cases, even simple bending and extending movements may become impossible, affecting daily activities.

3. Localized Swelling

Inflammation leads to localized tissue congestion and edema, causing swelling. A slight bulge may appear in the affected area, and the swollen region feels firm upon touch. In some patients, the skin over the swelling may appear slightly redder than the surrounding normal tissue.

4. Snapping Finger or Thumb

Narrowing of the tendon sheath may catch the tendon, causing a snapping sensation as the tendon forcibly moves through the constricted area during joint motion, resulting in a snapping finger or thumb. When patients flex or extend their fingers or thumbs, a "clicking" sound may be heard, accompanied by a noticeable catching sensation. In severe cases, assistance from the other hand may be required to complete joint flexion and extension.

5. Localized Warmth

Inflammatory reactions produce heat or increase local blood circulation, causing a sensation of warmth in the affected area. Patients may feel that the temperature of the affected site is slightly higher than the surrounding skin. Some individuals may experience mild pricking pain, especially after frequent joint movement, when the sensation of warmth becomes more pronounced.

In daily life, activity of the affected joint should be reduced, and prolonged repetition of the same motion should be avoided to prevent further friction between the tendon and tendon sheath. Appropriate warm compresses on the affected area may help improve local blood circulation and relieve pain and swelling.

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