What is tenosynovitis?

Generally, the main causes of tenosynovitis include excessive strain, improper posture, stenosing tenosynovitis, suppurative tenosynovitis, and tuberculous tenosynovitis. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely treatment at a regular hospital is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Strain

Long-term repetition of the same motion, such as typing or knitting, causes repeated friction between tendons and tendon sheaths, leading to tendon sheath congestion, edema, and inflammation. Reduce repetitive movements, rest for 10 minutes every hour of work, massage the affected area, apply heat to relieve muscle tension, and use ergonomically designed tools.

2. Improper Posture

Poor posture such as prolonged bending over or wrist suspension unevenly distributes tendon stress, causing long-term tendon sheath compression and inflammation, often accompanied by localized soreness. Adjust sitting and working posture, maintain a naturally relaxed wrist, use wrist supports or other assistive tools, and apply heat to affected joints before bedtime to improve local blood circulation.

3. Stenosing Tenosynovitis

Thickening and narrowing of the tendon sheath compresses the tendons, resulting in limited finger movement and snapping, with symptoms worsening in the morning. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and prednisolone acetate injection may be used. Severe cases may require tendon sheath decompression surgery, followed by early functional rehabilitation exercises.

4. Suppurative Tenosynovitis

Bacterial infection of the tendon sheath causes acute suppurative inflammation, characterized by significant local redness, swelling, heat, and pain, often accompanied by fever. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as cefixime capsules, levofloxacin tablets, and metronidazole tablets may be taken. When abscesses form, surgical incision and drainage of the tendon sheath are required, followed by regular wound dressing changes and maintenance of wound cleanliness postoperatively.

5. Tuberculous Tenosynovitis

Infection of the tendon sheath by Mycobacterium tuberculosis progresses slowly, presenting as localized swelling and pain, often accompanied by low-grade fever and fatigue. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and pyrazinamide tablets may be taken. When drug treatment proves ineffective, surgical debridement of the lesion is necessary, followed by continued anti-tuberculosis therapy and regular follow-up examinations postoperatively.

In daily life, avoid long-term repetitive movements and ensure a balance between work and rest; maintain correct posture to reduce pressure on the tendon sheaths; perform appropriate joint stretching exercises to enhance tendon flexibility; and rest promptly upon experiencing localized pain to prevent worsening symptoms.