TENOSYNOVITIS
Pain in the wrist?
An irritated tendon sheath is frequently behind it
At various places in the hand, tendons are surrounded by protective sheaths and run through narrow tunnels known as tendon compartments. Overloading or abnormal loading of the attached muscles can irritate and inflame these tendon sheaths, so that gliding becomes difficult. This causes pain around the tendons, particularly at the tendon compartment. Breastfeeding mothers and heavy phone users frequently have these symptoms on the thumb side of the wrist. In people who work at a screen, by contrast, the problems occur in the middle of the wrist.
Symptoms
Tenosynovitis usually shows itself through load-dependent pain around the affected tendon compartment. Depending on where it sits and how pronounced it is, further typical symptoms can be added that markedly restrict the movement and the strength of the hand.
Pain at the wrist radiating into the forearm
On moving the wrist, a stabbing pain occurs at the tendon concerned
Swelling at the wrist
Around the tendon compartment there is a usually soft, tender swelling.
Restricted movement
The inflammatory swelling stops the tendon gliding properly.
When is it worth seeing a doctor?
If pain around the wrist or the tendons persists for several days, gets worse with certain movements, or goes together with swelling, loss of strength or restricted movement, you should seek medical advice. A thorough assessment also makes sense with recurring symptoms, or where simply taking load off the hand brings no improvement, in order to avoid the problem becoming chronic.
Treatment options for tenosynovitis
The aim of treatment is to relieve the inflammation, take load off the tendon and reach a lasting freedom from symptoms. In most cases no operation is needed
Treatment options
Non-surgical and surgical – we will find the right approach for you
Immobilisation in a support
The pain is reduced and the gliding tissue around the tendon can settle.
Taking anti-inflammatory medication
The aim is to reduce the swelling of the gliding tissue around the tendon.
Applying cooling compresses to reduce swelling
Above all at night, compresses with an ointment help against the warmth and the pain
Widening the tendon compartment
The thickened tendons are given room to glide freely
Our hand specialists
Experienced consultants for tenosynovitis and hand surgery
