Information

Tendovaginitis is an inflammation of the tendon within the boundaries of the tendon sheath. Purulent (bacterial) tendovaginitis also occurs, as well as allergic, rheumatoid, and other forms.

Particular attention is paid to the impact of injuries and repetitive microtrauma in work-related conditions. One of the most common forms of tendovaginitis in the hand is De Quervain's disease, described in 1895 as "washerwoman's disease." It is also very commonly seen in young mothers who, by supporting their babies' heads, place the thumb muscles under prolonged strain. There is pain at the base of the thumb, along its dorsal side, and both movements of the thumb and certain movements of the wrist are painful. Treatment initially is non-surgical and includes rest, avoiding movements that provoke the pain, anti-inflammatory medications, wrist splinting, and physical therapy. If these treatment measures prove ineffective, surgical treatment is undertaken.

In the hand, another common form of tendovaginitis is the so-called "trigger finger". In this condition, the flexor tendons of a finger, most often the third, fourth, or the thumb, pass with difficulty through a narrowed section along their course. The finger bends unhindered and relatively normally, but must be straightened with the help of the other hand, during which the characteristic snapping (triggering) sound is heard. It usually occurs with minimal pain. A small nodule can be felt in the palm along the course of the affected tendon. This involves a change in the structure of the tendon in the area of the palm, and it occurs more often in women around and after menopause, in diabetes, and in certain inflammatory diseases. It is worth noting that a congenital form can also be observed, in which the thumb is affected. Most often, the mother first notices that the infant's thumb is continuously flexed at the end joint and the child cannot actively straighten it, meaning the finger remains in a permanently locked position. This condition must be corrected surgically in a timely manner so as not to delay the development of the grasping function of the affected hand.