How is tenosynovitis diagnosed?

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on November 17, 2024
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Tendinitis mostly occurs in the wrist joints that frequently flex and extend, as well as in the thumb and corresponding metacarpophalangeal joints. It is largely due to the repetitive flexion and extension movements of the fingers and wrist joints, such as those performed by noodle makers in restaurants, vegetable cutters, and some handcraft laborers. Repeated movements irritate the local tendon sheaths causing inflammation, leading to relative narrowing, which prevents the tendons from flexing and moving normally. This results in a condition known as stenosing tendinitis. These are the common causes and symptoms of the condition, enabling a clear diagnosis.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Diagnosis methods for tenosynovitis

Diagnosis relies on the doctor's physical examination, as well as the patient having localized pain and restricted movement, with definite tender points. Moreover, if local symptoms are atypical, an X-ray can be performed to rule out other conditions such as osteoarthritis, or bone hyperplasia, allowing for a localized diagnosis. In addition, localized symptomatic treatment can be administered, and if there is improvement, it can indirectly confirm the diagnosis of tendinitis. Typically, when there is localized pain with significant movement restriction, and apparent pain and hyperplasia at the tendon's central axis, a clear diagnosis can be made.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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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.)

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can tendinitis be treated with hot compresses?

Can hot compresses be used for tenosynovitis? Yes, patients with tenosynovitis can undergo hot compresses. The primary purpose of hot compresses is to promote the absorption of local inflammatory exudates, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of pain associated with tenosynovitis. Therefore, patients with tenosynovitis can undergo hot compresses. Additionally, it is crucial to strictly ensure rest and protection in the early stages, reducing stimulation to the affected area, which is more beneficial for the improvement of clinical symptoms of tenosynovitis. Topical applications of ointments that invigorate blood circulation and dispel blood stasis can also be used. However, in cases of severe tenosynovitis where there is a snapping sound and the patient's local flexion and extension movements are restricted, it is necessary to actively pursue surgical treatment, which usually involves tenosynovectomy or partial excision surgery.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Tendon sheath inflammation symptoms

Tendon sheath inflammation refers to a sterile inflammation that occurs between the tendon and the tendon sheath due to chronic overuse, impacting the tendon's gliding due to proliferative compression, causing localized pain, and restricted movement. In the early stages of tendon sheath inflammation, symptoms can be alleviated by rest, physiotherapy, and the topical application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. If the compression symptoms are severe and significantly restrict movement, resulting in snapping, surgery is recommended to excise the narrowed tendon sheath to restore function and relieve pain.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to completely cure tenosynovitis?

The only definitive treatment for tenosynovitis is surgery, because the clinical treatment of tenosynovitis is divided into three steps. The first step is general treatment, which mainly involves immobilization, medication, and topical application of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs; the second step is injection therapy; if these two methods do not work, then surgery is the only option. Therefore, surgery is the only way to completely cure tenosynovitis.