Patient Education: Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis

1. Overview

   Tendons are identified as strong cords of tissue that join muscles to bones. When a tendon is inflamed, the condition is called tendonitis. It happens to one or many tendons in the body. The inflammation causes swelling, pain, and discomfort. Moreover, tenosynovitis is connected to tendonitis. This is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath around a tendon. Normally, the sheath itself inflames, but both the sheath and the tendon can be inflamed at the same time.

2. Causes

   Although the exact causes of tendonitis and tenosynovitis are often unknown, they can be linked to strain, overuse, injury, or excessive exercise. Tendonitis may also be linked to diseases like diabetes, infection, or rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that can be managed by a Rheumatology Treatment in Muncie, Indiana.

3. Types

   Common types are:

   1. Lateral epicondylitis – Referred to as tennis elbow, this type is the damage of the tendons that bend the wrist back and away from the palm.

   2. Medial epicondylitis – Known as golfer’s or baseball elbow, this type is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm.

   3. Rotator cuff tendonitis – Defined as biceps tendonitis, this type is an inflammation of the shoulder capsule and related tendons.

   4. DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis – As the most common type of tenosynovitis, this causes swelling in the tendon sheath of the tendons of the thumb.

   5. Trigger finger or trigger thumb – This type occurs when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed and thickened, making it hard to extend or flex the finger or thumb.

4. Symptoms

   Symptoms may include the following:

   1. Pain in the tendon when moving
   2. Swelling and inflammation
   3. A grating sensation when moving the joints

Often, the symptoms may appear the same as other health problems. Make sure to talk with a Rheumatologist in Indiana for a diagnosis.

At Rheumatology of Central Indiana, we have Dr. Tarek Kteleh to answer your inquiries about Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment.

Dr. Kteleh is a passionate Rheumatologist who treats patients for joint point, autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Call us to book your appointment today.