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Tendon Inflammation Hand – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Tendon inflammation of the hand is a painful irritation or inflammation of the tendons in the wrist or fingers. It is often caused by overuse and can significantly limit hand mobility.

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Things worth knowing about "Tendon Inflammation Hand"

Tendon inflammation of the hand is a painful irritation or inflammation of the tendons in the wrist or fingers. It is often caused by overuse and can significantly limit hand mobility.

What is Tendon Inflammation of the Hand?

Tendon inflammation of the hand (medically known as tendovaginitis or tendinitis) refers to the inflammation or irritation of one or more tendons in the wrist, fingers, or thumb. Tendons are tough fibrous connective tissue cords that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement of the fingers and wrist. When these structures become irritated or overloaded, they can become inflamed, causing significant pain and restricted function.

Causes

Tendon inflammation of the hand can be triggered by a variety of factors:

Overuse and repetitive strain: Repeated uniform movements such as typing, writing, or performing manual tasks
Sports activities: Tennis, golf, climbing, or other sports with intense hand and wrist demands
Poor posture or technique: Awkward hand positioning during work or sports activities
Inflammatory conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis or gout can predispose individuals to tendon inflammation
Injuries: Direct trauma or small microtears within the tendon
Age-related changes: As tendons become less elastic with age, they are more susceptible to inflammation

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of tendon inflammation in the hand include:

Pain in the wrist, fingers, or thumb that worsens with movement
Swelling and redness over the affected area
Warmth along the inflamed tendon
Reduced range of motion in the hand or fingers
Creaking or crepitus when moving the affected tendon
Morning stiffness or start-up pain at the beginning of movement

Common Forms of Hand Tendon Inflammation

De Quervain Syndrome

De Quervain syndrome is one of the most common forms of tendon inflammation in the hand. It affects the tendons at the base of the thumb and causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. It is particularly common in new mothers and individuals who perform repetitive gripping movements.

Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tendovaginitis)

In trigger finger, the tendon sheath of a finger becomes so inflamed that the tendon catches or locks when bending or straightening the finger. In severe cases, the affected finger cannot be straightened independently.

Wrist Tendon Sheath Inflammation

The tendon sheaths around the wrist joint can also become inflamed, often as a result of repetitive movements in everyday professional life.

Diagnosis

Tendon inflammation of the hand is typically diagnosed through the following measures:

Physical examination: Palpation of the affected area, assessment of swelling, tenderness, and range of motion
Specific tests: For example, the Finkelstein test for De Quervain syndrome
Ultrasound: To visualize tendon inflammation and fluid accumulation within the tendon sheath
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): For detailed imaging of tendons and surrounding tissue in unclear cases
Blood tests: To rule out underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

Treatment

Conservative Treatment

In most cases, tendon inflammation of the hand can be successfully treated without surgery:

Rest and immobilization: Relieving the affected hand, possibly with a splint or bandage
Cooling: Cold applications to relieve pain and inflammation in the acute phase
Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac in tablet or gel form
Physiotherapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to stabilize and regenerate the tendons
Corticosteroid injections: A local cortisone injection may help in persistent cases of inflammation

Surgical Treatment

If conservative measures are not sufficiently effective, a surgical procedure may be necessary. For example, the tendon sheath may be surgically released (tendovaginolysis) to decompress the inflamed tendon.

Prevention

The following measures are recommended to prevent tendon inflammation of the hand:

Take regular breaks during repetitive tasks
Ensure ergonomic workplace design
Warm up and stretch before sporting activities
Strengthen the hand and forearm muscles
Avoid overloading and sudden increases in physical demand

References

Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU): Guidelines on Tendon Disorders, 2022.
Hochschild, J.: Strukturen und Funktionen begreifen. Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 2019.
Aroori, S., Spence, R.A.: Carpal tunnel syndrome and related tendon disorders. Ulster Medical Journal, 2008.

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