You have been treated for a swollen or inflamed tendon. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.
What is Tendinopathy and Tenosynovitis?
Tendinopathy and tenosynovitis are types of tendon injury. Tendinopathy is a tendon injury, while tenosynovitis is inflammation (swelling) of the sheath of tissue around a tendon.
A tendon is a fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. The inflammation usually happens where a tendon passes over a joint, for example, at the wrist, ankle, elbow, or shoulder.
What are the symptoms?
- The joint is painful to move.
- There is sometimes swelling or even a lump in the affected part of the tendon.
- A grating/creaking sound may be heard when you move it. This is where the tendon moves within the inflamed sheath. This can also be felt.
Some types of tendinopathy and tenosynovitis cause very characteristic symptoms and have their own name.
For example:
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common condition that affects the tendons that are used to straighten (extend) your thumb. The typical symptom is pain over your wrist at the base of your thumb that is made worse by activity and helped by rest
- Trigger finger most commonly affects your ring finger. The condition prevents your finger from straightening fully
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a condition where you have pain on the outer side of your elbow. It is usually due to overuse of your forearm muscles
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is similar to tennis elbow but the pain is felt on the inner side of your elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy affects the large tendon just behind and above the heel
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy – your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that help to lift and rotate your shoulder. The tendons from these muscles can sometimes become irritated due to overuse
What treatment options are there?
- Rest your affected joint with or without a support. Where your elbow or shoulder is affected this support may be in the form of a sling, whereas a problem with your wrist may be more comfortably supported in a splint. Please remove the sling and/or splint at regular intervals during the day and especially at night to help circulation
- Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be taken three to four times a day (check the advice that comes with the tablets).
- You can use ice (or a cold flannel) to ease the pain by wrapping crushed ice in a damp towel and placing it over your injury. Leave the ice in place for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove. Do this every two to four hours during the day, for two to three days.
CAUTION: ice can cause burns, so do not put it directly on your skin always use a towel. Protect sensitive skin with baby oil.
What should I do if it does not get better?
Recovery can take weeks to several months, however if it does not get any better after seven to 10 days then please go to your GP for further advice.
Share this...
Were you prepared for the visit today?
Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.
Am I Prepared?Related Information
Social Media
Social media is everywhere, we use it everyday in some shape or form. Here are some tips on using social media to improve your mental wellbeing.
Read More
Pride and Stonewall
June is Pride Month! It’s a perfect time to reflect on the long history of resistance that led up to this month-long celebration of awareness and…
Read More
Going Green
To reduce our carbon footprint and help the planet, MySelfCare and BOE have joined the Chamber Low Carbon scheme. We’re on track for becoming greenhouse gas…
Read More
Some tips to improve your mental wellbeing
Staying on top of your mental health and wellbeing is good for us and also benefit physical wellbeing over time, by reducing risk to physical health problems….
Read More
Was this information useful?
How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
How was your visit today?
How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals
Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.
You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.
Find Out More
News & Blog
View All
Part 2 – Delivering Information
This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.
Read More
Part 1 – Scanning QRs
This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature
Read More
Introduction Video
Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital
Read More
Burnout at work
Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…
Read More