flexor tenosynovitis

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is a cause of stiffness and pain in the hand, tending to affect one or more digits.

It is due to inflammation of the tendon sheaths, which can be detected by examination as a thickening in the palm. There may be tenderness and swelling which may extend proximal to the wrist and over the proximal phalanges. Active flexion of the affected finger may be reduced whilst passive flexion is preserved.

This condition should not be confused with Dupuytren's contracture where there is also a thickening in the palm, but where there is not normally any pain.