How to Prevent Tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitis is any inflammation of a tendon and its sheath, usually those that move the wrist and fingers. It may be caused by overuse, infection or trauma and commonly results in a loss of the full range of motion in the affected joint. The following steps will show how to prevent tenosynovitis.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Warm up gradually. This is most important when you will be making extremely rapid repetitive movements, as in playing a guitar. Stretch and loosen the tendons gently, then perform basic finger exercises and slowly increase your playing speed.
-
2
Rest frequently if possible when making repetitive movements, especially with the hands. Overuse of the extremities is probably the single most common cause of tenosynovitis. Apply ice to these joints during your break. This can decrease swelling and increase the blood supply to the related muscles and other tissues.
-
-
3
Secure the joint to reduce the strain on the tendons as much as possible. In the case of tenosynovitis caused by keyboard use, this would mean a cushion along the base of a keyboard on which to rest the wrists.
-
4
Use special keyboards. Keyboards specifically designed to reduce the strain on your wrists while typing are now readily available. Many of them also have a wrist cushion already attached.
-
5
Adjust your seat height and wrist position if needed. Your goal should be to type with the least amount of tension on your wrists as possible. Your hands should therefore hang from your wrists in a relaxed manner rather than supporting your hands with your wrist tendons.
-
1
