Introduction
Tendovaginitis is an inflammation of a tendon, usually in the wrist, shoulder or ankle area. Although this inflammation causes similar symptoms regardless of the cause, it must be treated differently starting from the underlying cause. There are three main causes that can cause tendon sheath inflammation.
The most frequent group are the irritations caused by incorrect fertilization, and therefore it is particularly important to ensure sufficient protection. In the case of tenosynovitis caused by bacterial pathogens (such as staphylococci), antibiotic therapy is the main treatment. In the case of tendosynovitis, which develops on the basis of an existing rheumatic disease, the treatment depends on the respective basic disease.
In the case of an inflammation in the tendon area caused by incorrect strain, immobilisation of the affected joints is often the first step towards an acute improvement of the symptoms. If this is not easily possible, supporting bandages, bandages or even a plaster cast can be helpful. It can also help to elevate the affected area in order to improve lymph drainage.
Cooling the affected area also relieves pain, especially if the irritation is accompanied by severe swelling. Cooling and anti-inflammatory ointments can also be used. However, if you already have chronic tendonitis, warmth is often more pleasant than cooling.
In general, if the symptoms have not disappeared even after 7-14 days of rest and cooling, a doctor should be consulted at the latest. As medicamentous measure a therapy with anti-inflammatory painkillers is recommended, naturally after consultation with the treating physician. In most cases, this is then also sufficient to get the complaints under control.
These include the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. These have the particular advantage that they not only relieve the pain but also inhibit the inflammatory reaction that is the cause of the problem. With longer-term intake, however, a stomach protection, such as proton pump inhibitors, should always be prescribed to avoid side effects.
Other painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin do not have this anti-inflammatory effect and are therefore less suitable. If these drugs are not sufficient, a doctor can also use injections to reduce the inflammation. These usually contain cortisol and a local anaesthetic, and thus have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.
Since this is a relatively invasive procedure, the advantages and disadvantages should be carefully weighed up. However, the cortisol contained can interrupt the inflammation very quickly and effectively on the spot. In any case, measures should be taken to prevent further irritation.
These include, for example, the use of ergonomic keyboards at the workplace or, if possible, avoiding harmful activities. This includes anything that involves the repeated execution of monotonous movements in the affected joint. This includes, for example, movement sequences during sports or playing an instrument.
If an irritation is due to a specific type of sport, the respective activity should be avoided for about 3-6 months to prevent a renewed irritation or the development of a chronic inflammation. Often a too hasty resumption of the triggering activity is the cause of long-lasting or recurring problems. Depending on the symptoms, physiotherapy can also be helpful as a supporting measure to correct already accustomed bad posture. In addition, therapy with stimulation current devices (see: electrotherapy) or ultrasound is sometimes offered as a further option, which should also lead to a healing of the inflammation.
