Tenosynovitis - what is it? You can find the answer to the question in the materials of the presented article. In addition, we will tell you what the cause of this deviation is, and we will describe in detail its clinical picture.
Tenosynovitis - what is it?
The medical term "tenosynovitis" came to us from the Latin language from the word tendovaginitis. Literally translated, this expression means the following: tendo is the tendon, and vagina is the vagina. As for the suffix –itis, it makes us aware of the ongoing inflammatory process.
Thus, when asked about tenosynovitis - what is it, one can easily answer that this is an internal inflammation of the synovial membrane of the vagina (fibrous) tendon of the muscle.
Causes of occurrence
Tendovaginitis of the tendon, or the so-called professional tendovaginitis, as a rule, arises due to prolonged muscle strain or microtrauma in workers of certain professions (for example, loaders, typists, pianists, heavy industry workers, etc.), which for a long time perform some and the same movements involving only a limited group of muscle tissues. In addition, this deviation is often observed in some athletes during overtraining (for example, skaters, skiers, etc.).
The cause of the appearance of nonspecific tendovaginitis may be the spread of any inflammatory reaction from the purulent focus to the synovial sheath of the tendon. This is how purulent arthritis, osteomyelitis and panaritium develop.
It should be especially noted that tendovaginitis quite often makes itself felt after some infectious diseases (for example, brucellosis, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, etc.). In this case, hematogenous distribution of any pathogens is often observed.
In addition, tenosynovitis of the foot, forearm, and other joints are observed in rheumatic diseases such as systemic scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, Reiter's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis , etc. Also, this deviation can develop against the background of reactive inflammation, which is toxic in nature.
Disease classification
Now you know the information about tenosynovitis - what it is. It should be noted that this deviation is classified by:
1. Cause of occurrence:
- infectious tenosynovitis (specific and non-specific);
- aseptic (reactive and professional).
2. Clinical features:
3. The nature of the inflammatory reaction:
- serous fibrinous;
- serous;
- purulent.
Clinical picture
These or other symptoms of this disease depend on the form in which it occurs. It should be especially noted that it is extremely important to recognize these signs on time and consult a doctor immediately.
So, we will consider in more detail what symptoms are characteristic of this deviation.
Acute non-specific tenosynovitis
Such a pathological condition is characterized by an acute onset, as well as the rapid appearance of a rather painful swelling in the place where the affected tendon sheaths are located.
Most often, patients have acute tendon tendonitis. The treatment of this deviation is reduced to taking anti-inflammatory oral drugs, as well as using various systems and injections. If you don’t see a doctor in time, then painful swelling and swelling will quickly pass from the hand to the forearm, which will significantly limit the patient’s movements.
Crepitating tenosynovitis (or acute aseptic)
This deviation is characteristic of synovial vaginas, which are located on the feet, the back surface of the hand, as well as the biceps of the shoulder. Such a disease begins quite acutely. In the affected area, swelling very quickly appears, and with palpation, crepitus is felt. If wrist tendovaginitis develops, then almost immediately the patient has restrictions on the movements of the wrist and fingers, as well as their severe pain. It should be noted that such an aseptic acute disease can easily go into a chronic form.
Chronic tendovaginitis
Such a deviation most often develops in the vaginas of the extensor and flexor tendons, that is, in the area of their retainers. The clinical picture of this condition is carpal tunnel syndrome. With it, a tumor-like and rather painful formation is observed, which has an elongated shape (usually in the form of an hourglass), elastic consistency and is located in the area of the wrist channel. It should also be noted that such a deviation can be easily felt during palpations.
A particularly prominent form of the disease, which is chronic, is de Kerven's tenosovaginitis (or stenotic tenosynovitis).
Tuberculous tenosynovitis
The clinical picture of such a disease is characterized by the formation of so-called "rice bodies", which are located along the extensions of tendon sheaths. They can be detected by palpation.
Where can it develop?
Tendovaginitis is an inflammatory disease that can affect absolutely any joint. Consider where such a pathological condition develops most often.
Tendovaginitis of the hands . This deviation is the most common. This fact is due to the fact that the greatest load is assigned to the upper limbs. Moreover, hands are most often exposed to various injuries and hypothermia.
- Tendovaginitis brush . As mentioned above, the hands represent the most vulnerable part of the body. Minor injuries, frequent hypothermia and excessive stress often lead to inflammatory reactions in tendon sheaths. In most cases, this disease is not infectious in nature, but is associated only with professional activities of a person.
- Tendovaginitis of the forearm . Such a disease progresses quite quickly. As a rule, this part of the body is affected by crepitus tendovaginitis. The disease begins with increased hand fatigue, aches, as well as burning, tingling, and numbness.
- Tendovaginitis of the finger . At the initial stage of development, this deviation is rather difficult to recognize. As a rule, this requires an appeal to a specialist who should examine the patient and conduct a probing of the affected area. If such inflammation is purulent, the patient may complain of excruciating pain and a noticeable swelling.
- Tendovaginitis of the wrists . This disease most often develops on the dorsal ligament. Typically, this deviation affects the tendon, which is responsible for straightening the thumb. Clear signs of a pathological condition are pains over the wrist, which increase with time with movement, and when resting and relaxing, the hands sometimes calm down.
- Tendovaginitis of the wrist joint . With this deviation, the tendon that is responsible for the thumb is affected. Often it thickens, and the pain that occurs in the wrist is given to the shoulder or forearm.
- Tendovaginitis of the shoulder joint . Most often, this deviation occurs in ironers, carpenters, grinders, blacksmiths, etc. Such a disease can last 2-3 weeks, and then proceed in the subacute phase.
- Tendovaginitis of the elbow joint . The presented type of disease is quite rare. As a rule, it develops due to any injuries or damage.
- Finger flexor tenosynovitis . Most often, this disease is observed in women who are related to manual labor.
Achilles tendon vaginitis . Such a deviation begins to develop due to excessively increased loads on the lower leg muscles or the Achilles tendon.
Tendovaginitis of the knee joint . This disease also develops as a result of prolonged physical exertion on the joint. In addition, it can occur due to impaired posture, improper body structure, infection, etc.
Tendovaginitis of the thigh . This pathological condition is caused by overload of muscle tissues and tendons, as well as various injuries. It should be especially noted that the fairer sex is more susceptible to this disease than the strong half of humanity.
Among other things, tenosynovitis can occur in the tendons of the feet, ankle and lower leg.