- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitis (ten-o-sin-o-VITE-is) is irritation and swelling of the lining, or casing, that covers a tendon.
More to Know
Tendons are cords that attach muscles to bones. Each tendon is covered by a casing, or sheath, called the tenosynovium. The tenosynovium protects and lubricates the tendon, allowing it to move more easily when a muscle is flexed or extended.
Tenosynovitis happens when the tenosynovium becomes irritated and swollen. This can be caused by certain diseases, infections, injuries, overuse, or strain. Tenosynovitis can affect any tendon in the body, but is most common in the hands, wrists, and feet.
To treat it, doctors might recommend resting the affected tendon and using a splint or brace to keep the tendon from moving. Tenosynovitis caused by an infection is considered an emergency, is treated with antibiotics, and may need surgery.
Keep in Mind
Symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving a joint should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. In most cases, tenosynovitis heals completely with rest and treatment.
Following recovery, strengthening and stretching exercises might be recommended. It also can be helpful to decrease or stop activities that irritate the affected tendon.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.