Tenosynovitis is a problem that affects many people, especially those who overload a tendon, an essential element of our locomotor system. Tenosynovitis turns out to be an inflammation that occurs in the lining of the tendon, responsible for protecting the tendons, especially in the area where it extends and from friction. The result of inflammation is that it will cause a lot of pain, and a person’s daily activities will be affected, so this membrane will not be able to perform its primary function. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain everything about Tenosynovitis: what it is and its treatment, so that you know what this injury is, how it is generated and what to do when you present it.
Table of Contents
What is tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the tendon lining; that is, it is the inflammation of the cord that joins the muscle with the bone and its synovium, which is the lining. The synovial membrane is responsible for protecting the tendons, so if it is inflamed, it does not fulfill its primary function.
Tenosynovitis can affect many areas, such as the hand, foot, forearm, or elbow. However, it is widespread to observe inflammation of the synovial sheath in the wrist due to the tendons in these areas. They are long.
Tenosynovitis: causes
The people who are usually most affected are those who transcribe daily through a computer keyboard, musicians such as pianists, or professionals such as physiotherapists or masseurs.
Tenosynovitis can occur because of monotonous, repetitive movement or poor posture. This generates excessive tendon friction on the bone, causing its wear. It can also be induced by an extreme overload due to exercise or sports.
Tenosynovitis has also been associated with people who have infections or diseases in the joints; however, it is scarce despite being a risk factor. Pressure on the tendon also increases the risk of this problem.
Signs and symptoms of Tenosynovitis
The signs and symptoms of Tenosynovitis are similar to those that occur in other inflammatory diseases; below, we will mention the most common of this condition:
- Intense, stabbing pain, with redness and swelling of the affected area, which may worsen with effort and still occurs during rest.
- It is cracking in the affected joint that appears during movement.
- Presence of bumps at least on the fingers or toes due to the infection.
- Stiffness or difficulty performing movements.
- Weakness to exercise movements.
- When the condition becomes chronic, there may be nodular thickening, called stenosing Tenosynovitis, in which inflammation of the lining, in turn, thickens the flexor muscles.
Tenosynovitis: treatment
This condition, as it turns out to be an inflammation, the treatment will initially consist of conservative therapy; that is, treating the symptoms that trigger the rash will help to improve the problem. For this, the treatment will include:
Drug use
- The NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and pain. They are available over the counter and do not require a prescription; however, you should consult your doctor about their consumption if you are taking other medications, such as anticoagulants.
- Antibiotics: Drugs used to fight the bacterial infection.
- Antifungals: used to combat fungal infection if the inflammation is consequent to this.
- Steroids: A steroid injection may be given to decrease inflammation.
Natural treatment of Tenosynovitis
- Heat and cold therapy: the objective of these treatments is to reduce inflammation; for this, heat and cruel treatment with compresses could be applied, which helps reduce and alleviate the problem and is very effective.
- Use of rosemary water: apply a cold bath with rosemary water because it is anti-inflammatory and relaxing.
- Apply ice: You may consider using only the glaze on the affected area and letting it work for at least 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed by your doctor. For this, please place it in a bag or inside a shredded or complete cloth.
- Infusions: such as ginger, since it is an excellent anti-inflammatory, in addition to helping to reduce the pain generated in Tenosynovitis.
Treatment for more advanced cases
- Physiotherapy: when the non-invasive treatment has not generated the desired result, you can attend a physiotherapist or masseur; they are of excellent help in these cases because they are in charge of improving the problem through their techniques. In addition, they can teach a series of exercises that you can do from the comfort of your home to regain mobility and lost strength.
- Surgical: if the pain is prolonged and non-invasive treatments do not cause any effect, surgical treatment by a specialist will be considered. In this case, the surgeon will have to divide the point at which the tendon lining narrows, managing to eliminate the tension in the area.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Tenosynovitis: what it is and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, Joints and Muscles .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.