Tendovaginitis stenosans

Professional activities with the hands such as working on the computer or professional piano playing lead to considerable stress on the respective vision and not infrequently a tendonitis (tendovaginitis) is the result. A special form is the Tendovaginitis stenosans, which is associated with the phenomenon of snapping fingers.

contents

• definition
• symptoms
• diagnosis
• therapy

definition

The Tendovaginitis stenosans describes an inflammation in the area of ​​the finger flexor tendons, which is associated with the formation of tendon nodules, which subsequently lead to movement restrictions, since the tendon can not slide freely through the so-called ring band. The bending and stretching of the finger is from a certain point only possible against resistance, after the overcoming of the movement in a kind of snapping is completed. Hence the term "snapping fingers". Further names of the complaint picture are Digitus saltans or also Springfinger.

In severe forms of Tendovaginitis stenosans the stretching of the fingers is often blocked and can only be achieved by additional pressure. (Image: staras / fotolia.com)

symptoms

Our tendons run in sheaths. In the case of repeated overloading, the flexors of the fingers can sometimes cause minor injuries and corresponding inflammations. The tissue swells and so-called tendon nodes form. As a result, the tendons can no longer slide properly through the so-called ring band and there are corresponding movement restrictions. The diminished function can be expressed in the fact that it is difficult to bend or stretch the finger. Even going back to the original position can not happen, hard or jerky (fast). Pain along the tendon and swelling are also often part of the symptoms .

diagnosis

The examination should consider the entire course of the vessels on the affected limb. If it comes to jamming at classic bottlenecks, this can lead to a jam, which is jointly responsible for the problem from a holistic perspective. However, the mechanical factors must also include the underlying diseases and conditions related to tissue and care, such as hypothyroidism, lactation, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis (protein metabolism disorder) or rheumatoid arthritis.

therapy

First, a protection of the tendon is appropriate, so that the inflammation can subside. By accompanying gentle manual therapies, structural impairments can be resolved to some extent. However, the finger snap can often be remedied only by a surgical procedure. (Jvs)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)