Darrick Robles Tendonitis is often noticeable with pain and swelling in the area of the irritated tendon sheath. In most cases, the condition affects the forearms and hands. In particular, frequent and repeated movements lead to overloading and, as a result, to inflammation of the affected tendon sheath. In the treatment, the focus is primarily on protection.
Definition
The tendon sheath inflammation is also called tendovaginitis and describes a local painful irritation of the tendon sheath.
The tendon sheath encloses the tendon and is filled with synovial fluid. It protects the tendon in the area of the joints and reduces friction.
The tendon connects muscle to bone and plays an important role in power transmission and joint mobility.
Causes of tendonitis
There are various triggers of tendonitis. In most cases, increasing wear and tear is the reason for the disease. In this case one speaks of a degenerative cause.
- Degenerative : Frequent movement and overuse of muscles can trigger tendovaginitis. This can be done, for example, by working in front of the computer with the mouse. In addition, musicians can be affected by the symptoms due to long periods of practice or athletes practicing a sport. Tendonitis in the foot area is often caused by long runs and ill-fitting shoes. If the complaints were caused by work, the existence of an occupational disease should be checked.
- Rheumatic : Some rheumatic diseases cause inflammation of the tendon sheaths.
- Bacterial : In rare cases, infection with bacteria can lead to tendonitis.
Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatism and gout are also factors that promote tendonitis. In addition, tendovaginitis can occur in conjunction with inflammatory joint diseases. It is also described that the symptoms occur more frequently during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Symptoms of tendonitis
The classic symptoms of tendonitis are pain and swelling over the affected tendon. At the beginning, the pain usually only occurs when you move, but over time it can also become noticeable when you are at rest. In addition, small nodular changes in the tendon can sometimes be felt, which lead to grinding noises. The symptoms occur wherever there are tendon sheaths: on the wrist, fingers, elbows, knees, wrists, fingers, Achilles tendons and ankles.
If the pain comes on very suddenly and is accompanied by a strong reddish swelling, a doctor should be consulted immediately. This can be an infectious cause of the tendonitis, and therapy should be started as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of tendonitis
The doctor will first ask you some questions about your symptoms. He will also ask about your job, exercise habits, and other hobbies. In most cases, the cause of the tendonitis can be derived from this. This is usually followed by a physical examination in which the affected muscles and joints are examined for mobility, sensitivity and blood circulation. In some cases, further examinations follow, such as imaging procedures or a blood test.
Duration of tendonitis
The duration of a tendonitis can be very different. In some cases, it can keep coming back and become a chronic condition.
You can do this yourself if you have tendonitis
- If you have been able to identify a trigger for the pain, you should avoid it if possible.
- Also, try to rest the affected joints and muscles.
- For example, cool the painful area with an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel.
After the symptoms have healed, you should make sure to reduce the triggering stimuli.
- Do regular loosening and relaxation exercises to give the affected tendons a break.
- Wear a gentle splint/bandage.
- Warm up sufficiently before exercise or any strenuous activity.
- Pay attention to ergonomic workplace conditions. This may involve sitting in front of the computer with a straight back and using a specially designed computer mouse and wrist rest.
Treatment of tendonitis
First of all, the affected tendon sheath should be spared, for example with the help of a cast or splint . In addition, anti-inflammatory painkillers can be taken to relieve the symptoms. It is also possible to inject glucocorticoids or local anesthetics into the affected tendon sheath. The use of physiotherapy or ultrasound/electrotherapy can also help with the treatment. However, if the symptoms do not go away with treatment, surgical therapy can be considered. In the short operation, the tendon sheath is split lengthways to give the tendon more space.
If the tendonitis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics must be taken.
Special forms of tendonitis
- Tendovaginitis stenosans : This form of tendonitis causes pain in the wrist area when bending and stretching the fingers. Sometimes this is associated with a quick jerky movement. Surgery is the treatment that usually brings relief.
- Tendovaginitis stenosans de Quervain : Most often, women are affected by this condition after menopause. This causes pain in the thumb area, especially when gripping objects. Rest and pain therapy usually bring improvement.
When to seek help
The clarification of tendonitis should be done as early as possible in any case. The longer the doctor’s visit is delayed, the higher the risk of the disease becoming chronic.
There are some warning symptoms that indicate infection and require immediate medical attention :
- You are very limited in your everyday movements and feel a lot of pain.
- If you also have a fever or chills.
- If the affected area is very red and swollen.
How can Med-Healths help with tendonitis?
You can use the Med-Healths App to contact a doctor and talk to them in detail about your symptoms. He will advise you and answer your questions about tendonitis. He can also prescribe you medicines and aids that are necessary for the treatment. There is also the possibility that he will issue you with a certificate of incapacity to work if the symptoms severely limit you at work. In the case of a serious illness or other aspects, he can refer you to a suitable specialist.
