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Date issued: December 2022

Review date: December 2024

Ref:  A-556.NB/ED/Tenosynovitis / Tendonitis

PDF:  Tenosynovitis Tendonitis final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 131KB

What is tenosynovitis and tendonitis?

• Tenosynovitis means inflammation of the sheath that surrounds a tendon

• Tendonitis means inflammation of a tendon.

What are tendons and tendon sheaths?

A tendon is a strong tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. Some tendons are covered by a fluid filled sheath which helps the tendon to move freely and smoothly when it pulls on the bone it is attached to.

What are the symptoms of tenosynovitis and tendonitis?

• The main symptoms are pain, tenderness and swelling of the affected part of the tendon

• The overlying skin may be warm

• You may have reduced movement of the part of the body that is pulled by the inflamed tendon

• In some cases, the inflammation lasts just a few days and then goes away on its own.  In some cases, it can last weeks or months if not treated.  Any tendon of the body may be affected.

What is the cause of tendonitis and tenosynovitis?

• Unknown   Many cases seem to occur for no apparent reason

• Overuse of a tendon is the most commonly known cause. Tenosynovitis commonly occurs around the wrist. Overuse by lots of writing (writers’ cramp), typing, canoeing, assembly line work, etc, can trigger inflammation

• Arthritis can sometimes include inflammation of tendon sheaths as well as the joints. 

What is the treatment?

Rest It is important to allow the inflammation to settle sometimes by splinting the area.

Ice packs over the affected area may ease swelling and pain.  You may use a purpose-made icepack (available in pharmacies) or a bag of frozen peas.  Never apply ice directly to skin, always place it over a towel.

Paracetamol is useful to ease pain. It is best to take it regularly for a few days or so, rather than every now and then. An adult dose is two 500 mg tablets, four times a day. A doctor may prescribe additional painkillers such as codeine if the pain is more severe.  If you are prescribed a combination of paracetamol and codeine (e.g., cocodamol or codydramol) then it is important not to take additional paracetamol as you will accidentally overdose.

Anti-inflammatory medication can be used with paracetamol or as an alternative. There are many types and brands. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling (often the cause of the pain). You can buy ibuprofen at pharmacies or supermarkets without a prescription. The dose varies depending on your age and other medical problems. Side-effects sometimes occur with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding them.

Physiotherapy may be advised.

Surgical release of a tendon is rarely needed.

Can tenosynovitis or tendonitis be prevented?

Avoiding repetitive motion and overuse may help prevent occurrence