Introduction to Tendon Sheath Inflammation

Introduction-to-Tendon-Sheath-Inflammation

An injury surrounding muscle usually results in tendon sheath inflammation. Some of the common symptoms include skin redness, swelling, and joint stiffness. At times, tendon sheath inflammation may also cause fever.

Tendons play a significant role in controlling the movement of the human body. We perform essential functions like jumping, grabbing, running, or lifting because of tendons. We would not be able to control important body functions without tendons.

Causes of Tendon Sheath Inflammation

Some of the professions involve physical activity which can cause tendon sheath inflammation like the following.

  • Office Work
  • Music
  • Dentistry
  • Carpentry

Sometimes, underlying health conditions may also cause tendon sheath inflammation. These are the common diseases which may cause tendon sheath inflammation.

  • Gonorrhea
  • Reactive Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • Scleroderma
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

The hand or wrist injury may also be caused due to the following reasons.

  • Sudden strains or sprains.
  • A person is standing in the same position for too long.
  • Stressful physical activities like running.
  • Activities involving repetitive stress.

When Is Pain Due to Tendon Sheath Inflammation?

Some tendons in the human body are more prone to injury including the ones in wrists, feet, and hands. Tendon sheath inflammation is common in hand, wrist and feet area. However, it may occur in other parts of the body as well like knee, elbow, and shoulders.

Common symptoms of Sheath Tendon Inflammation may include the following.

  • Skin redness is overlying tendons in the problem.
  • Pain or tenderness in the joint.
  • The swelling or stiffness of the joint making it difficult for the patient to perform normal life activities.

Diagnosis of Tendon Sheath Inflammation

An orthopedic doctor usually diagnoses tendon sheath inflammation by conducting a physical inspection of the affected tendon. The doctor may also check for redness or swelling. The physician may ask the patient to move the affected area to see if there is a pain. In some cases, the doctor may ask the patient to undergo MRI or ultrasound to check for other potential causes.

Treatment of Tendon Sheath Inflammation

The main aim of the physician is to help reduce the pain and inflammation. It may involve resting the affected area of the patient to stop the activities which caused the problem. The patient may also be advised to use splint or brace to immobilize the affected area. The application of heat and cold can help reduce swelling and pain.

Therapy treatments of tendon sheath inflammation may include the following.

  • The use of ultrasound.
  • TENS or the use of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
  • Stretching the impacted area
  • Massage

The doctor may also recommend the patient to use NSAIDs like ibuprofen or injectable corticosteroids. If the condition causes infection, the orthopedic physician may also prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection.

If the problem is occurring due to some illness, the doctor can also advise medication to treat that issue.