How to treat tenosynovitis of the wrist?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on May 07, 2025
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Tenosynovitis of the wrist occurs when excessive flexing and extending movements lead to an inflammatory reaction between the tendons and the tendon sheaths. This can cause adhesion, fibrosis, and even sterile inflammation, leading to symptoms of pain and restricted movement. For tenosynovitis, it is first recommended to rest and reduce flexing and extending movements. Physical therapy, such as infrared therapy, can be used to alleviate the local inflammatory response. If necessary, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications can be used for symptomatic treatment. If the above treatments are not effective, local injections may be recommended for management.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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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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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 Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Does tenosynovitis cause swelling?

Patients with tenosynovitis may experience swelling. Tenosynovitis primarily results from engaging in certain activities over an extended period, causing frequent movements of the tendon within the tendon sheath, which leads to inflammatory damage, resulting in swelling, pain, and restricted movement of the tendon and tendon sheath. Treatment for tenosynovitis is mainly divided into non-surgical and surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment involves resting, using anti-inflammatory pain relief medications to alleviate symptoms, and can also include methods like heat application, physical therapy, and local blockades, which can play a positive role in improving symptoms and reducing inflammation. Of course, if conservative treatment is ineffective, or functional impairment occurs, surgical treatment may also be considered.

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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 Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Is tenosynovitis easy to treat?

Tendon sheath inflammation refers to the sterile inflammation of the tendon sheath surrounding a tendon, caused by repetitive activity and friction. This condition can impact tendon movement. In cases of early symptoms, conservative treatment such as rest and the topical application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to alleviate symptoms. However, if the symptoms are severe and lead to constrictive tendonitis, where the movement of the tendon sheath is obstructed and there is a snapping sensation during movement, surgery may be necessary to remove the constricted tendon sheath and relieve symptoms.