Tendinitis, cold compress or hot compress?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on February 07, 2025
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First of all, it must be affirmed that patients with tenosynovitis need to actively apply heat. The condition known as tenosynovitis is mainly caused by local excessive irritation and friction, leading to the proliferation of connective tissue and resulting in aseptic inflammation. Therefore, active heat application is necessary. The main purpose of heat application is to promote local blood circulation and the absorption of inflammatory exudates, which can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of the patient's tenosynovitis. Additionally, patients with tenosynovitis need to actively rest and protect the affected area. For those with severe pain, local injection treatment can also be considered.

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Consequences of the deterioration of tenosynovitis

If tenosynovitis recurs repeatedly and is not given enough attention, it can become quite persistent and may not significantly improve with appropriate treatment. In such cases, surgery may be necessary. When tenosynovitis worsens, it leads to local pain, limited movement, and even noticeable swelling. Generally, there is no malignant transformation in the local tissues of tenosynovitis. The underlying mechanism of tenosynovitis involves aseptic inflammation due to the tendons' load-bearing activities. Long-term recurrence can lead to local scar hyperplasia. Post-surgical treatment should avoid repeated load-bearing activities to reduce recurrence.

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What ointment is used for tenosynovitis?

Tendon sheath inflammation is a sterile inflammation caused by overwork and frequent flexing and extending of the tendon, leading to repeated abrasion and compression within the fibrous sheath of the tendon sheath. This results in local exudation, swelling, and fibrosis, which narrows the sheath canal. If the symptoms are mild, conservative treatment can be chosen, such as applying non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, and topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic plasters for symptomatic treatment, combined with rest, immobilization, and physical therapy to alleviate symptoms. If symptoms worsen, local encapsulation treatment may be necessary. If symptoms persist and conservative treatment is ineffective, then surgery may be required.

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Tendon sheath inflammation hot compress method

Heat application can play a certain role in improving the symptoms of tenosynovitis. You can use a hot towel or a hot water bottle and apply it to the affected area for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and you can apply heat several times a day. Be careful to avoid burns during heat application. Heat helps promote circulation and can help reduce the symptoms of tenosynovitis and promote recovery. At the same time, patients should also rest and stop any frequent activities. In addition, they can use anti-inflammatory pain relievers and drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, along with physical therapy, injections, and other treatments to improve symptoms and aid recovery. When there is an impairment of movement, surgical treatment can also be considered. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to apply heat to tendinitis

Patients with tenosynovitis can use heat application to improve symptoms and promote recovery. Heat can be applied with a hot towel or a hot water bottle to the affected area for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and can be done several times a day. Caution should be taken to avoid burns during heat application. Heat helps promote blood circulation and can play a role in alleviating symptoms of tenosynovitis and aiding in recovery. Additionally, patients with tenosynovitis need to rest and can also use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications and medications that invigorate the blood and disperse stasis. Treatment can be combined with physical therapy and encapsulation techniques. These methods can be effective in improving symptoms and promoting recovery. When motor impairments occur, surgical treatment may also be necessary. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Can tenosynovitis heal itself?

Tendon sheath inflammation is primarily due to long-term engagement in certain frequent activities, causing inflammatory damage to the tendons and tendon sheaths. This results in symptoms such as swelling and limited mobility. It is difficult to cure without treatment intervention. For the treatment of tendon sheath inflammation, it is firstly important to rest and stop the frequent activity. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics can also be used. Additionally, treatments such as applying heat, physiotherapy, and local encapsulation can be employed. Through these treatments, some patients can recover effectively. When there is a significant impact on life due to functional impairment, surgical treatment may also be considered. Post-surgery, it is important to start functional exercises early to prevent adhesion. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)