Published on: 6/11/2024
What happens if tenosynovitis is left untreated?
Left untreated, tenosynovitis can lead to joint stiffness, chronic pain and loss of range of motion that may necessitate surgery to try and repair.
Explanation
If you do not treat a tenosynovitis, your joints may become stiff, lose range of motion and result in chronic ongoing pain. For treatment of this condition, immobilization along with medications reduces the inflammation in that tendon and allows the tendons to heal. However, if the joint is immobilzed for too long or incorrectly, the tendon becomes less flexible, stiffer and even painful with movement.
As a result, it is important to talk with your health care provider for treatment of tenosynovitis and have regular follow-up to avoid complications of stiffness and pain.
(References)
Schlenker JD, Lister GD, Kleinert HE. Three complications of untreated partial laceration of flexor tendon--entrapment, rupture, and triggering. J Hand Surg Am. 1981 Jul;6(4):392-8. doi: 10.1016/s0363-5023(81)80051-2. PMID: 7252116.
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