Tendonitis is usually harmless, but very painful. To ensure rapid healing, you should consistently protect the inflamed area. Otherwise the disease could take a chronic course.
You can find further information and selected doctors for tendonitis here.
The official name for tenosynovitis (ICD code M65) is
It is an inflammatory process within the so-called tendon gliding tissue.
The tendons connect the bones to the muscle tissue. Wherever the tendons are subject to particularly heavy strain, they run within protective tendon sheaths. These are lined with synovial fluid. Tendon sheath inflammation refers to an inflammatory change in this tendon sheath.
During monotonous and/or excessive strain, the tendons rub against the inside of their tendon sheath. This then swells, causing the tendon canal to become increasingly narrow.
If the tendon is not consistently relieved, the friction increases. The result is an ever-increasing narrowing of the tendon sheath.
In most cases, tendon sheath inflammation is caused by overuse. Athletes are therefore particularly at risk - especially if they play tennis or golf. Also
develop tendinitis more frequently than average. In some occupational groups, tendonitis is even officially recognized as an occupational disease.
Other causes of tendonitis are
Tendonitis of the wrist. Source: Wikipedia
Medium to large joints are most commonly affected by tendonitis. The wrist and thumb are particularly at risk. Inflammation of the tendon sheaths also frequently occurs in the shoulder and foot.
The disease is accompanied by severe pain, which is initially only noticeable during movement.
If the tendon sheaths in the ankle are inflamed, every step is difficult and sporting activities are no longer possible. Later, the pain also occurs at rest and at night. Swelling and redness may also occur.
With tendinitis in the wrist, severe pain occurs when moving the hand upwards towards the forearm. The so-called "fastball crunch" is also typical of tendinitis, especially when the forearm and/or elbow are affected.
Golfers suffer from tendinitis of the shoulder more frequently than average. The pain is particularly severe when the arm is moved upwards.
If you take it easy in good time, the symptoms often subside on their own after three to five days . If this does not happen, you should consult a doctor.
Rapid treatment is very important for tendinitis to prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Your family doctor can be your first point of contact. If necessary, he or she will refer you to an orthopaedist or a sports doctor.
As a rule
are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis of tendinitis. However, if in doubt, the doctor may also order an ultrasound examination(sonography).
An X-ray is not necessary as the bones are not affected by tendinitis. However, an X-ray can be informative if the treatment is not working or other diseases need to be ruled out.
If the inflammatory areas are to be visualized as precisely as possible, an MRI is the method of choice.
If a rheumatic disease is suspected as the cause of tendinitis, a blood test is carried out. This allows certain laboratory values to be checked.
Tendonitis is primarily treated by consistently resting and immobilizing the affected area. This immobilization can be achieved by
be supported. It is also advisable to cool the painful area - especially if it is red, warm and/or swollen.
Pain-relieving ointments or tablets can be used if the pain is very severe.
It is also possible to inject cortisone and local painkillers. However, these medications are only used if the pain is extremely severe and puts a lot of strain on the patient.
Cooling ointment helps to relieve pain caused by tendonitis © motorolka / Fotolia
If chronic tendonitis is present, surgery is often the last resort. Either the inflamed part of the tendon sheath is completely removed or the constricted area is split open to provide relief.
If another disease is the cause of tendon sheath inflammation, e.g. rheumatism, this must also be treated.
Some home remedies have proven to be effective in the treatment of tendonitis and can therefore be used as an adjunct to treatment, such as
If the patient rests the affected area, tendonitis heals without complications within a few days.
Chronic tendinitis, on the other hand, takes several weeks or even months. It occurs again and again.
There are many simple ways to effectively prevent tendonitis.
Carry out stretching exercises during work or sport even if you experience minimal discomfort. This loosens the muscles and makes ligaments and tendons supple.
Also take regular breaks - especially if your work is very monotonous.
If you work at the keyboard for several hours a day, it is advisable to use a keyboard that is as flat as possible and a special keyboard pad. However, get into the habit of stretching and moving your wrists from time to time. An ergonomically shaped mouse is also recommended. To relieve the strain on your "mouse finger", you should also use keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse from time to time.
Tennis players, golfers and climbers are best advised to wear support bandages during sport. For craftsmen, there are ergonomically shaped tools that significantly reduce the risk of developing tendinitis.
Tendonitis is generally nothing to worry about. With the right treatment, the condition heals completely within a few days.
Nevertheless, it makes sense to take a close look at your own behavior. This will prevent harmful movements in the future. In this way, you minimize the risk of the disease recurring.
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