conditions

Tenosynovitis and tendonitis

These are conditions that involve inflammation and swelling of the tendon, the synovium (the lubricating fluid that surrounds the tendon) or the tendon sheath (the tunnel through which the tendon passes).

Symptoms include localised pain in the area of the tendon, localised swelling and often reduced movement, as the normal glide of the tendon may be restricted.

These symptoms can cause significant difficulty with completing functional tasks using the affected hand, such as gripping objects and completing work related activities.

Conditions commonly seen in the London Hand and Wrist Unit are:

• DeQuervain's tenovaginitis
• Trigger finger / Trigger thumb (See link)
• Wrist flexor / Extensor tendonitis.

Treatment can be conservative or surgical. Conservative management focuses around resting the affected area for a number of weeks, which may be achieved through the use of a custom made splint, use of electrotherapy modalities such as ultrasound could be considered alongside use of heat or ice to help settle inflammation. Graded exercise is gradually re-introduced alongside activity modification advice aiming for return to work and function without recurrence of symptoms.

Corticosteroid injections are considered by hand surgeons for their anti-inflammatory benefit and may be administered alongside the therapeutic interventions detailed above. Patients need to be carefully selected for this treatment as there can be side effects.

For more information about Trigger Finger follow this link:

Trigger finger information >

For more information about DeQuervain's tenosynovitis follow this link:

DeQuervain's tenosynovitis information >