Definition
Tendons are the starting points of the muscles on the bones. They are involved in all movements. In some parts of the body they run in tendon sheaths.
These are protective structures in which the tendons can slide back and forth. They are mainly found in areas of the body where the tendons are subjected to particularly heavy strain and where there is a lot of friction on the tendons. These include especially the hand and forearm.
If the tendons become inflamed, for example due to overloading, this is known as tendinitis. The forearm and hand are the places where tendon inflammation occurs very frequently. Often, the inflammation of the tendons and tendon sheaths occurs simultaneously. The terms tendonitis and tendosynovitis are often used to describe the same clinical picture.
These are the causes
The tendons of the forearm are exposed to strong frictional forces due to the constant movement. Tendon sheaths have the function of reducing the frictional forces acting on the tendons. However, if the tendons are subjected to excessive strain, the tendon sheaths and the tendons themselves may become irritated.
This irritation can develop into tendonitis and tendosynovitis if the strain continues. This is mainly caused by monotonous movements with the hand or forearm, which are performed repeatedly. Sports such as golf, tennis or climbing can cause tendonitis of the forearm, but also housework that is an unusual burden, such as gardening or moving house.
Craftsmen and musicians are often affected because they use their hands to make the same movements often and for a long time. Another very common cause is computer work. Operating the mouse and keyboard for hours on end places a high strain on the tendons and tendon sheaths of the forearm and hand.
But chronic diseases can also be accompanied by tendonitis. This is relatively rare, but can be triggered by rheumatoid arthritis, for example. This might also be of interest to you: Pain in the elbow
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