Guest Author - Anne Asher

Definition
Tenosynovitis is the thickening and degeneration of the lining of the tendons of the fingers, according to H.J.C.R. Belcher, MS, FRCS(Plast), and Consultant Hand and Plastic Surgeon in England.1

What is So Significant About Tenosynovitis?
Tenosynovitis is important because it causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Causes Tenosynovitis?
Overuse is the most common cause of tenosynovitis. Other causes are:

• genetics
• age
• infection
• diabetes and other conditions may worsen tenosynovitis

Common Treatments for Tenosynovitis
Typically rest and anti-inflammatory medicine such as asprin are taken to relieve the symptoms of tenosynovitis.

Sometimes the person with tenosynovitis will have to change the way they use their hands.

Mark Steele, MD, Associate Dean for Truman Medical Center Programs, Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City reports that with conservative therapy, prognosis for tenosynovitis is good.2

Bibliography
1 H.J.C.R. Belcher, MS, FRCS (Plast), Consultant Hand & Plastic Surgeon
TENOSYNOVITIS. Retrieved May 22, 2005, from: http://www.pncl.co.uk/~belcher/tenosyn.htm.

2 Steele, Mark, MD, Associate Dean for Truman Medical Center Programs, Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City Tenosynovitis Retrieved May 22, 2005, from: http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic571.htm.

3 MedInfo Tenosynovitis Retrieved May 22, 2005 from: http://www.medinfo.co.uk/conditions/tenosynovitis.html

Please Note:
This article is for information only and is no way intended to be used as medical advice.