The musculoskeletal system allows for a wide range of movement. Tendonitis and tenosynovitis are common inflammatory conditions affecting tendons. While both involve inflammation, they impact distinct parts of the tendon structure. This article clarifies these conditions and their characteristics.
Understanding Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, the thick, cord-like tissue connecting muscles to bones. It commonly arises from overuse, repetitive stress, or sudden injury.
Symptoms include pain and tenderness where the tendon attaches to the bone, often worsening with movement. Swelling, warmth, and reduced range of motion may also be present. This condition frequently affects tendons in the shoulder, elbow, knee, or Achilles.
Understanding Tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitis, in contrast, involves inflammation of the synovial sheath that encases certain tendons. This protective, fluid-filled membrane lubricates the tendon, allowing it to glide smoothly during movement.
Causes are similar to tendonitis, including overuse, repetitive motion, or trauma. However, tenosynovitis can also stem from infections or systemic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and often a distinct creaking or grating sensation, known as crepitus, when the affected joint moves. This condition frequently impacts tendons in the wrist, hand, foot, and ankle, with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis being a common example.
Distinguishing the Conditions and Their Severity
The primary distinction between tendonitis and tenosynovitis lies in the specific anatomical structure inflamed. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon itself, while tenosynovitis involves the tendon and its surrounding synovial sheath. While both conditions cause pain, tenosynovitis can sometimes present with more pronounced symptoms due to the involvement of the sheath.
Significant swelling, more restricted movement, and the characteristic crepitus may be more evident in tenosynovitis. This is because inflammation or thickening of the synovial sheath can impede the tendon’s smooth gliding, potentially leading to a “sticking” or “locking” sensation. Neither condition is universally “worse” than the other, as severity depends on factors such as the location, the extent of inflammation, and individual response.
Management and Recovery
The general principles for managing both tendonitis and tenosynovitis often overlap. Initial approaches involve rest of the affected area and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition. Applying ice can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to alleviate pain and swelling. A splint or brace can be used to immobilize the area and promote healing. Physical therapy, including stretching and strengthening exercises, is often part of the recovery process. For persistent symptoms, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation. Identifying and modifying the underlying cause, such as ergonomic adjustments or activity changes, is important for long-term recovery.