When Rest Isn’t Enough: Lasting Relief for Chronic Tendonitis. 

Persistent tendon pain in your hand or wrist can limit your work, your hobbies, and your life, turning simple movements into a source of frustration. When conservative treatments fail to provide lasting relief, we recommend options for non-surgical management and offer advanced surgical solutions designed to solve the underlying problem when conservative treatments have failed. 

What is Tendonitis? 

Tendons are the strong, flexible cords that connect your muscles to your bones, allowing you to move your joints. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of these tendons. It isoften caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or injury but can also result from poorly treated diabetes, undiagnosed thyroid problems, medication side-effects, or generalized conditions such as an autoimmune disease. The end pathway to all these conditions is to cause inflammation leading to the common symptoms of pain, tenderness, and mild swelling, making it difficult to perform tasks that were once effortless. 

Have You Tried These and Still Have Pain?

For many, the first line of defense against tendonitis includes non-surgical treatments like rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. While these can be effective, they sometimes provide only temporary relief. If your tendonitis has become a chronic issue that significantly impacts your quality of life, a more definitive surgical solution may be the best path forward. 

Modern Procedures to Restore Pain-Free Gliding

Tenolysis (Tendon Release)

• In chronic cases, inflammation can cause restrictive scar tissue to build up around a tendon, “sticking” it in place and causing pain with movement. Tenolysis is a delicate procedure where Dr. French carefully removes this scar tissue, freeing the tendon and allowing it to glide smoothly within its sheath once again. 

Tendon Repair

• Over time, persistent inflammation can weaken a tendon, leading to fraying or even partial tears. When this occurs, a surgical repair may be necessary. This involves meticulously suturing the damaged tendon tissue back together to restore its integrity and strength, providing a durable solution to the problem. 

Mechanical Problems Around the Tendon

• Tendons gliding through narrow anatomical tunnels called pulleys can become constricted. Surgically opening the constricting pulley is curative. In some cases, tendons are irritated and inflamed from gliding over a bony prominence or bone spur – again, surgically removing the bone spur is usually curative. . 

The Precision Required for Optimal Tendon Function 

The ultimate goal of any tendon surgery is to restore smooth, effortless, and pain-free gliding. This is a delicate art that requires a deep understanding of the intricate anatomy of the hand and a meticulous surgical technique. Dr. French’s background as a Harvard-trained reconstructive plastic and microsurgeon brings a refined approach to these procedures, ensuring the delicate handling of tissues needed to achieve an optimal and lasting functional outcome.