What causes tendonitis in children?

Tenosynovitis in children may be caused by overuse of the hands, congenital factors, trauma or infection, etc. Different treatment methods should be adopted according to the specific cause, such as adjusting the force, cooperating with drug treatment or surgical intervention. Parents should pay attention to their children's health to avoid worsening of the disease.

1. Overuse of hands

Tenosynovitis in children is usually caused by frequent and repetitive movements of the hands, such as drawing, writing, playing with mobile phones or gaming devices for a long time, which may cause inflammation of the tendon sheath. The tendon sheath is a tissue that wraps around the tendon. If it is rubbed and irritated for a long time, it may swell and cause pain.

Suggestion: Parents can help their children reduce long-term single hand activities and encourage multiple postures to switch. In addition, to relieve inflammation, doctors may recommend the use of wrist guards, combined with hot or cold compresses, to improve local blood circulation.

2. Congenital anatomical abnormalities

Some children are born with abnormal development of hand joints, such as narrow tendon sheaths, which may hinder the movement of tendons in the tendon sheath and gradually develop into tenosynovitis. Such problems are easy to find when grasping objects, such as children reporting finger pain or limited movement.

Recommendation: If parents find that their children have recurring symptoms, they should go to the hospital for detailed examination as soon as possible. After a clear diagnosis, they may need to cooperate with drug treatment, such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation. If the condition is serious, surgical release of the tendon sheath may be an appropriate solution.

3. Trauma-induced tenosynovitis

Children are active and vulnerable to trauma. Sprains of fingers or hands may damage the tendon sheath and induce inflammatory reactions. For example, careless falls and collisions may cause congestion and swelling of the tendon sheath and surrounding tissues, thus forming tenosynovitis.

Recommendation: Treat the child's hand injury promptly and use ice to relieve swelling. If the symptoms of tenosynovitis are obvious, such as swelling and pain that last for more than a week, you should seek medical attention and receive professional treatment in a timely manner.

4. Infection causes inflammation

Bacterial infection may also cause tenosynovitis, which often occurs when bacteria invade the tendon sheath after skin breaks or punctures. For example, if a child's hand is scratched and the wound is not treated in time, it may cause infection in the tendon sheath.

Recommendation: Infectious tenosynovitis requires antibiotic treatment, and severe infections may require drainage of pus. Parents should pay attention to timely disinfection and cleaning of children's hand wounds to prevent further spread of infection.

If the symptoms of your child's tenosynovitis continue to worsen, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to identify the cause and develop a targeted treatment plan. Parents should also help their children strengthen their hand protection, correct bad postures and habits, and reduce the risk of tenosynovitis.