HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Tenosynovitis

default
Posted on Tue, 7 Mar 2017
Question: hi, i'm a 29 year old female and i work at a job that requires me to cook holding a spatula and constantly turn meat patties every minute or so. after finishing a shift that required this of me for 6 hours straight today (uncommon), my PIP joint of my index finger (the knuckle that presses against the spatula) is swollen and difficult/painful to straighten. what could the problem be, and what is the best way to treat it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Tenosynovitis of flexor tendon

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting the question.

I have seen the attached pictures of the index finger.

Due to constant use and friction with the spatula,the flexor tendon sheaths of the tendons of the index finger (flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus) are inflammed causing the pain and difficulty in straightening.

The best treatment would be avoiding friction and overuse.I know that the job demands you of using the finger continuously but still you should find an alternative to the way you use this finger.
Try using other hand for sometime or use a soft cushion between the spatula and the index finger to avoid direct friction.

At present,take anti inflammatory tablets like tramadol/aceclofenac/paracetamol etc along with fibrinolytic tablets like trypsin,serratiopeptidase etc.

Absolute rest to the finger is essential.
You can use a index finger gutter splint and keep the finger in straight elevated position.

Applying local analgesic gel followed by hot fomentation will help immensely.

Let me know the progress 3 days from now so that we can decide further line of treatment.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.
Wish you speedy recovery.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahaveer Patil

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1209 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Tenosynovitis

Brief Answer: Tenosynovitis of flexor tendon Detailed Answer: Hi dear XXXXXXX Thank you for posting the question. I have seen the attached pictures of the index finger. Due to constant use and friction with the spatula,the flexor tendon sheaths of the tendons of the index finger (flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus) are inflammed causing the pain and difficulty in straightening. The best treatment would be avoiding friction and overuse.I know that the job demands you of using the finger continuously but still you should find an alternative to the way you use this finger. Try using other hand for sometime or use a soft cushion between the spatula and the index finger to avoid direct friction. At present,take anti inflammatory tablets like tramadol/aceclofenac/paracetamol etc along with fibrinolytic tablets like trypsin,serratiopeptidase etc. Absolute rest to the finger is essential. You can use a index finger gutter splint and keep the finger in straight elevated position. Applying local analgesic gel followed by hot fomentation will help immensely. Let me know the progress 3 days from now so that we can decide further line of treatment. I hope the answer was useful. Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have. Thank you. Kind regards. Wish you speedy recovery.