Tenosynovitis (infection of tendon sheath)

General or Other | Orthopaedics | Tenosynovitis (infection of tendon sheath) (Disease)


Description

Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the synovial sheath. They may result from a strain of joints, inflammatory rheumatism, a bacterial infection or a local inflammatory disease. Disease symptoms are the same as those of a tendinitis: swelling, sharp pain on palpation when the tendon is immobilized.

If tenosynovitis is infectious, surgical cleaning associated with appropriate antibiotics is needed. Tenosynovitis may cause tendon rupture. In simple cases may be taken only at rest the painful area and taking drugs.

Causes and Risk factors

Tenosynovitis is caused by wear of the inner wall of the tendon sheath, resulting in a unilateral biasing. In case of small lesions due to chronic excessive loading, the internal wall of the synovial sheath becomes rough and results in local inflammation. In rare cases, an inflammatory joint disease can also cause tenosynovitis. Infectious inflammation are almost exclusively due to injury (puncture, cut).

Those at risk are cleaners, musicians, masseurs, people practicing rowing sports, many people typing on the keyboard or playing computer games.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnostic tests include taking into account history of symptoms; it is imperative to mention all the repetitive activities performed. X-ray and blood tests to highlight inflammation or rheumatic disease.

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Rest or keeping the affected tendons is still essential for recovery. The application of heat or cold to the affected area should help reduce pain and inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Local corticosteroid injections may also be useful. Some patients need surgery to remove the inflammation surrounding the tendon. ...