Tendinitis mild and severe symptoms

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on May 28, 2025
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Tendon sheath inflammation refers to the exudation and adhesion between the tendon and tendon sheath caused by excessive flexion and extension activities, resulting in a sterile inflammatory response with symptoms of localized pain and limited mobility. In the early stages of adhesive inflammation, there is severe pain in the affected area along with limited flexion and mobility. As the condition progresses and with increasing age, severe proliferation of the tendon sheath may cause compression on the tendon, leading to symptoms of constrictive tendon sheath inflammation, particularly in the extensor tendons of the index and thumb fingers, commonly known as trigger finger.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Causes of recurrence of wrist tenosynovitis

Tendinitis is most commonly seen in the wrist or metacarpophalangeal joints. Typically, patients will experience redness, swelling, heat, and tenderness in the wrist, along with limited joint mobility. It is usually recommended that patients rest and avoid overexertion. Due to repeated friction caused by overexertion, swelling of the annular ligament or tendon sheath can occur. This leads to insufficient circulation of synovial fluid within the joints, and excessive friction can cause damage to the tendons and tendon sheaths, resulting in chronic inflammation and swelling. This is how tendinitis develops. Repetitive tasks, such as flipping a spoon at the wrist or cooking, can cause pain, with the most common being de Quervain's tenosynovitis, which can be confirmed by physical examination. Activities like wringing a towel or cooking can lead to pain. When necessary, treatments such as injections or small needle knife therapy may be required. Rest can relieve most symptoms, but there is a high chance of recurrence. Attention should be paid to wearing wrist braces and applying local heat can help.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is electrothermal therapy effective for tendinitis?

Regarding the question of whether electrothermal therapy is effective for tenosynovitis. First, it needs to be affirmed that electrothermal therapy is beneficial for patients with tenosynovitis. The primary purpose of electrothermal therapy is to promote local blood circulation and facilitate the absorption of inflammatory exudates, which can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of the patient's tenosynovitis, and the results are quite good. Therefore, patients with tenosynovitis can undergo electrothermal therapy. In addition, for patients with tenosynovitis, local injections, topical plasters that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and daily local hot washing can also be performed. Hot washing with Sichuan pepper and salt in hot water is usually sufficient. For patients with severe tenosynovitis, it is necessary to actively pursue surgical treatment.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How to massage tendinitis?

Tendon sheath inflammation is caused by chronic strain and repeated activity, leading to a sterile inflammation of the tendon sheath surrounding the tendon. This results in impairment of tendon movement, causing symptoms such as pain and restricted movement. Tendon sheath inflammation primarily arises from repetitive activity and chronic strain. It can be relieved by appropriate resting, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. In severe cases where tendon impingement occurs, surgery is required to alleviate the symptoms. Massage therapy is not recommended for this type of sterile inflammation, as it does not have a significant effect.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Causes of tenosynovitis

The causes of tenosynovitis, simply put, the tendon sheath is a double-layered dense synovial tube that encases the tendons. It acts as a protective fluid sheath for the tendons, consisting of two layers enveloping the tendon. Between these two layers is a cavity filled with synovial fluid. The inner layer is closely attached to the tendon, while the outer layer lines the inside of the tendon fibrous sheath, jointly attaching to the bone. It primarily functions to stabilize, protect, and lubricate the tendons, preventing them from friction-induced damage and compression. Long periods of excessive friction can lead to damage in both the tendon and its sheath, leading to swelling and pain, which are the symptoms of tenosynovitis. For example, certain occupations such as bricklayers, carpenters, those who work extensively with computers, and chefs who frequently stir with spoons, as well as seamstresses in textile factories, are prone to developing tenosynovitis. There might be a link between this condition and occupational diseases. In such cases, applying heat can be helpful, and if the pain is particularly severe, enclosed treatments might be conducted. Additionally, taking drugs that promote blood circulation and relieve pain might be advisable. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)