Prognosis of tendovaginitis | Tendovaginitis

Prognosis of tendovaginitis

The prognosis for tendovaginitis (tendovaginitis) is generally very good. Although the course of this disease and thus the painful intervals can be very long, tendovaginitis can be treated well and effectively with comparatively simple means. In this sense, however, it is essential to get to the bottom of the exact cause of the development of tendovaginitis.

Only a therapy that is exactly tailored to the causal problem can fight the inflammatory processes in the area of the tendon sheath in the long term and thus lead to a good prognosis. An essential factor for successful healing is the avoidance of activities that are particularly stressful for the joints and can trigger renewed inflammatory attacks. Tendovaginitis that is not treated promptly can lead to a chronification of the symptoms.

In medical terminology, the clinical picture resulting from this phenomenon is called “Repetive Strain Injury” (short: RSI). In addition, tendovaginitis persisting over a longer period of time can lead to inflammatory processes, thickening and loss of function in the finger flexors (technical term: tendovaginitis stenosans). Patients suffering from tendovaginitis with additional rheumatic symptoms have a slightly worse prognosis.

Prophylaxis

The development of tendovaginitis can be prevented by following a few simple rules of conduct. One of the most important factors in prophylaxis is to avoid long-lasting, uniform movements that put excessive strain on the joints. In addition, incorrect posture during sports, music-making and office work should be avoided.

For this reason, typists or office workers should consider the purchase of ergonomic work equipment. Simple cushions placed in front of the keyboard at the workplace can already achieve great effects. It has also been proven that a keyboard that lies as flat as possible on the table is particularly easy on the joints and tendons.

Furthermore, taking regular breaks between typing intervals can be considered a suitable prophylaxis against tendovaginitis. During these pauses, various muscle relaxing exercises should be performed, thus preventing the development of inflammatory processes. Also the regular stretching and warming of the stressed tendon sheaths contributes effectively to a tendovaginitis prophylaxis.