What is the Difference Between Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis?

The main difference between tenosynovitis and tendonitis lies in the affected tissue. Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. On the other hand, tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath around a tendon. Both conditions are related and can occur simultaneously.

Tendonitis is a condition in which a tendon becomes inflamed, causing swelling and pain. Tendons are strong cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones.

Tenosynovitis is a condition linked to tendonitis, where the lining of the sheath around a tendon becomes inflamed. The sheath alone can be inflamed, or both the sheath and the tendon can be inflamed at the same time.

Common symptoms of both tendonitis and tenosynovitis include pain and tenderness in the affected limb or joint, especially when moved, mild swelling from inflammation and fluid accumulation in the affected area, and a grating sensation when moving the joint.

Treatment for both conditions may include changing activities, icing the area to reduce inflammation and pain, image-guided injections of anti-inflammatory medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical and occupational therapy, antibiotics if the condition is due to infection, and surgery.

Comparative Table: Tenosynovitis vs Tendonitis

Here is a table comparing tenosynovitis and tendonitis:

Both tenosynovitis and tendonitis involve inflammation, pain, and tenderness, but tenosynovitis also involves inflammation of the tendon sheath lining. The diagnosis and treatment of both conditions are similar, with the main difference being the involvement of the tendon sheath in tenosynovitis.