Muscles and appendices
Tendinitis of the flexor muscles
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon.
Tendons are composed of fibres. They attach muscle to bone and give joints their mobility. When there are repeated movements, the rubbing of the tendon against the bone can provoke the wear of some fibres.
The micro-rupture of these tendinous fibres is accompanied by a painful inflammatory reaction. The inflammation can affect the surrounding structures, such as the synovial sheath around the tendons. Tendinitis can also be caused by repeated micro-trauma, such as blows or shocks, to the tendon.
The pain of tendinitis is increased by movement and calmed by rest.
What is tendinitis of the flexor muscles?
Tendinitis of the flexor muscles is the inflammation of the tendons on the anterior face of the forearm (the side with the palm of the hand) at the level of the passage through the wrist.
It is provoked by repeated movements (often professional in origin) involving lifting heavy objects (such as crates, for example) or by the practice of certain sports such as tennis (holding the racket badly) or golf (gripping the club).
Orthopaedic treatment
The aim of the orthopaedic solution is to decrease the pain (analgesia) and to rest the wrist by preventing movement.
The wrist is placed in a neutral anatomical position thanks to a
made-to-measure thermoformable or standard wrist splint.
If the condition is not treated, the pain becomes unbearable, with local inflammatory swelling, and normal use of the hand becomes impossible.
However, in order to prevent recurrence, in addition to the medical treatment and possible physiotherapy, patients should envisage changing their habits or professional movements.
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
