Tenosynovitis

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Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the sheath of tissue around a tendon – a fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. The inflammation usually occurs where a tendon passes over a joint, for example, at the wrist, ankle, or shoulder.

You may notice:
• The joint is painful to move
• A grating/ creaking sound may be heard. This is where the tendon moves within the inflamed sheath. You may also feel this

What can be done to help?
• Rest the affected joint with or without support. Your wrist may be more comfortable in a bandage, support or sling – remember to remove this at night to aid circulation
• Medication for pain relief – paracetamol or ibuprofen (available at a chemist). Please take these according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What to do next:
• See your GP in 7-10 days if there is no improvement
• Try to avoid over-using the joint in the future

If you have any further queries, please contact:
• Emergency Department: 01908 995 913 ext. 2409 between 9am and 10 pm
• Hospital switchboard: 01908 660033 between 10pm and 9am
• NHS 111
• Your GP surgery