What should I do about tenosynovitis?

The tendon sheath is a synovial sheath that surrounds the tendon, serving to reduce friction between the tendon and the bone. When the tendon sheath is affected by overuse, repetitive movements, improper posture, trauma, or other factors, inflammation may occur, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

Common treatment methods:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms and allow the affected area adequate time to rest.

2. Ice application: During the acute phase, apply an ice pack to the affected area for approximately 15-20 minutes multiple times daily, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Medication: Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen capsules or naproxen tablets, may be taken to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Topical applications, such as Voltaren ointment or Yunnan Baiyao spray, can also provide some relief.

4. Injection therapy: For patients with severe symptoms or those who do not respond to conservative treatment, local corticosteroid injections combined with local anesthetics may be considered. This can help reduce inflammation and pain at the affected site.

5. Surgical treatment: If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective and symptoms severely affect the patient's life and work, surgical intervention may be considered. The surgery mainly involves tendon sheath release to relieve the tendon compression within the sheath and restore normal function.