bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis
Introduction
Tendinitisis inflammation of a tendon.Tenosynovitisis tendinitis accompanied by inflammation of the protective covering around the tendon (tendon sheath). The cause is not always known. Tendons are painful, particularly when moved, and sometimes swollen. The diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and results of a physical examination. Using a splint, applying heat or cold, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help. Tendons are fibrous cords of tough tissue that connect muscles to bones. Some tendons are surrounded by tendon sheaths. (See also Introduction to Muscle, Bursa, and Tendon Disorders .) The cause of tendinitis is often unknown. Tendinitis usually occurs during middle or older age, as the tendons weaken and become more susceptible to injury and inflammation. (Weakening of the tendon, called tendinopathy, usually results from many small tears that occur over time. Affected tendons may gradually or suddenly tear completely.) Tendinitis also occurs in younger people who exercise vigorously (who may develop Rotator Cuff Tendinitis —see also Certain tendons are particularly susceptible to inflammation: Tendons of the shoulder (rotator cuff): Inflammation of these tendons is the most common cause of shoulder pain (see Rotator Cuff Injury/Subacromial Bursitis ). The two tendons that extend the thumb away from the hand: Inflammation of these tendons is called De Quervain Syndrome . The flexor tendons that clench the fingers: Inflammation causes these tendons to get caught in their sheaths, resulting in a popping feeling ( Trigger Finger ). The tendon above the biceps muscle in the upper arm (bicipital tendon): Pain can occur when the elbow is bent or the arm is elevated or rotated. Achilles tendon in the heel: Pain occurs at the back of the heel ( Achilles Tendinitis ). A tendon that runs over the side of the knee (popliteus tendon): Pain occurs on the outer part of the knee. Tendons near the hip bone (trochanter): Because bursae may also be affected, the term trochanteric bursitis is often used to include inflammation of these tendons. Some antibiotics, such as Fluoroquinolones , may increase the risk of tendinopathy (weakening of the tendon) and rupture of the tendon. Certain joint diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) , 