How to treat tenosynovitis most effectively

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the "most effective way to treat tenosynovitis." Treatment methods for tenosynovitis mainly include rest and immobilization, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and surgical treatment. The details are as follows:

1. Rest and Immobilization

Reduce joint movement in the affected area and avoid frequent flexion, extension, or bearing weight—for example, avoid prolonged typing or knitting—to prevent increased friction between the tendon and tendon sheath that could worsen inflammation. Elastic bandages or supportive braces can be used to immobilize the affected site, keeping the joint in a relaxed position. This helps create favorable conditions for reducing inflammation in the tendon sheath and alleviates pain and swelling.

2. Physical Therapy

Mild methods are used to reduce local inflammation, with common techniques including heat application and ultrasound therapy. Heat application improves blood circulation at the affected site, relaxes tense tendons and tendon sheaths, and relieves pain. Ultrasound therapy penetrates deep into tissues, promotes absorption of inflammatory substances, reduces tendon sheath edema, and accelerates repair of damaged tissue.

3. Medication

Medications should be used under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used drugs include diclofenac diethylamine gel, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and prednisolone acetate injection. Diclofenac diethylamine gel is applied topically and acts directly on the affected area to reduce local inflammation. Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules are taken orally to relieve pain. Prednisolone acetate injection can be used for local block therapy to rapidly control severe inflammation.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

According to TCM, tenosynovitis is associated with overuse injury, blood stasis, and invasion by cold and dampness. Treatment focuses on promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, unblocking meridians, and relieving pain. Commonly used herbal medicines include Huoxue Zhitong Capsules (capsules for activating blood and relieving pain) and Shujin Huoxue Tablets (tablets for relaxing tendons and activating blood). Acupuncture at selected acupoints such as Hegu (LI4) and Yangxi (LI5) can help unblock meridians, regulate qi and blood flow, reduce tendon tension, and relieve pain and restricted movement.

5. Surgical Treatment

For severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective or when tendon entrapment occurs, tendon sheath incision and decompression surgery may be required. The procedure involves surgically opening the thickened tendon sheath to release the entrapped tendon and restore its normal gliding function. After surgery, appropriate rehabilitation exercises are necessary to prevent tendon adhesion.

In addition, patients should follow medical advice for proper care during treatment, have regular follow-up visits, and adjust their treatment plans according to recovery progress. If symptoms such as worsening pain or severely limited joint movement occur, prompt medical attention is essential to prevent further deterioration that could affect daily activities.