A tendon sheath, which is a thin layer of tissue, surrounds eachtendonin the body.
The tendon sheath can also be called synovial lining or fibrous sheath.
Tendon sheaths help protect tendons from abrasive damage as they move.
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Overuse and traumatic injuries can cause pain or swelling of the tendon sheath.
Treatment may involve physical rest and/or additional treatment, such as medication,physical therapy, or surgery.
This article discusses the anatomy and function of tendon sheaths, along with several conditions that can affect them.
It also covers how these conditions may be treated.
Tendon Sheath Anatomy
Tendons are strong, thick structures that connect muscles and bones to each other.
They can withstand a degree of stretching and turning as the bones and muscles maneuver.
Tendon sheaths, like tendons, are a pop in of connective tissue.
This means that they interact with other types of body tissues rather than functioning on their own.
Synoviumis connective tissue that lines the structures in the bodys joints.
A tendon sheath is a throw in of synovium that specifically lines tendons.
The fibrous layer is supportive and protective; The synovial layer lines the tendons and produces synovial fluid.
Both of these layers are flexible and they move as the tendons move.
Synovial fluid flows within the tissue layers of a tendon sheath.
This fluid nourishes the synovial tissue, and it also allows the tendons to move smoothly.
Tendon Sheath Conditions
There are several conditions that can affect a tendon sheath.
These ailments are associated with inflammation, which is swelling due to a proliferation of fluid and immune cells.
Inflammation can occur in and around a tendon sheath as the result of injuries, overuse, or disease.
Tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitisis inflammation of the tendon sheath.
It usually becomes noticeable at a relatively early stage, when it can be treated.
This condition can affect one joint or more than one joint and can cause swelling and/or discomfort.
It can be due to overuse or by an injury.
What does inflamed tendon sheath feel like?
When the tendon can’t slide smoothly through the sheath, movement results in a rubbing or grinding feeling.
Arthritis
Arthritisis the inflammation of a joint.
Tendonitis
Tendonitisoccurs when the tendon becomes inflamed.
A tendon can be inflamed due to an overuse injury.
This inflammation can also affect the tendon sheath.
Infection
An infection can contaminate a tendon and/or tendon sheath.
It may cause swelling, a lump, or discomfort.
Tendon Sheath Treatment
There are several treatments for conditions that affect the tendon sheath.
Resting the affected joint and placing ice on it to reduce the swelling is often effective.
Anti-inflammatory medications, including over-the-counter oral (by mouth) medications or prescription-strength steroids, can reduce inflammation.
Sometimes steroid injections are used to target the area of inflammation while avoiding systemic (whole-body) effects.
A brace can prevent overuse, which can help your joint, tendon, and tendon sheath recover.
Summary
A tendon sheath is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds every tendon in the body.
Tendon sheaths are flexible structures that protect tendons while moving or at rest.
A combination of rest and pain-relieving medication can be helpful for tender, swollen tendon sheaths.
If that’s not enough, steroid injections or physical therapy are also options.
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