If you perform certain movements under heavy load, the tendon may be irritated. It and the tendon sheath can become inflamed. This can lead to restricted movement, swelling and pain. Constant, subliminal overloading can also lead to chronic tendovaginitis, such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
Physiotherapy for tendinitis
In order to relieve the tendon sheath in everyday life, it may be necessary to immobilize the joint for a certain period of time with orthoses, tapes or bandages. Kinesiotape can relieve the tendon. The orthosis should be weaned off as soon as possible, or worn only in the case of special stress to avoid dependence.
If a joint is constantly stabilized by a bandage or similar, the structures of our body that normally provide this stability lose their function and weaken. In the acute phase, cooling and anti-inflammatory ointments can relieve pain. The healing process can also be supported by medication. In the acute, as well as in the chronic phase of a tendon sheath inflammation, the use of specific currents to increase blood circulation or to relieve pain within the framework of electrotherapy is conceivable.
What is tendosynovitis
Muscles are necessary for our joints to move. Muscles are attached to the bones by tendons. When a muscle shortens and tenses, it pulls on the bone via the tendon, causing a joint movement.
To ensure the mobility of the individual structures in the body, the individual tissues are wrapped in connective tissue. So are the tendons. They run in places where they are exposed to particular stress in the so-called tendon sheaths.
The tendon then slides along these sheaths during movement. It is also filled with synovial fluid to reduce the frictional resistance during movement. Tendons, which are often susceptible to tendon sheath inflammation, are located in joints that are under particular stress.
For example, on the wrists when doing a lot of computer work, on the shoulder when doing heavy weight training, when doing throwing sports or overhead work, or on the elbow when doing desk work and heavy carrying. Tendinitis also occurs in the lower extremities, such as the knee or ankle. The tendons are exposed to particular stress at their points of attachment to the bone, since this is where the transmission of force and mechanical friction are greatest.
Unilateral heavy or chronic strain can lead to permanent irritation of the tendon, which can even lead to tendosynovitis. This means that an injury develops within the tissue and typical signs of inflammation appear. Redness, swelling, pain, heat and functional limitations.
In the acute phase of a tendon sheath inflammation, complaints usually occur in all directions of movement, as approximation and stretching of the tendon. The inflammation leads to changes in the tendon and the tendon sheath. Adhesions develop and the ability of the tendon to slide in the tendon sheath is restricted.
This results in a loss of mobility in the joint. Attempts should be made to prevent a chronic stage of tendosynovitis, where long-term changes occur in the area of the tendon and its sheath. Physiotherapy will also take up much more time and effort in this case. Adhesions are loosened by means of a connective tissue massage and/or fascial training.
