TENOSYNOVITIS - Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of the tendon and its enveloping sheath. The sheath may be inflamed secondary to over-use, or rarely, as the result of a bacterial infection of the tendon sheath. Infections of the tendon sheath generally occur as the direct result of a animal (or human) bite or puncture wound in the skin overlying the tendon. Tenosynovitis usually manifests itself with marked swelling, tenderness, and warmth over the affected tendon. The patient most often will have marked pain with any attempted motion (flexion or extension) of the tendon. Treatment of bacterial tenosynovitis is with intravenous antibiotics and in many cases, surgical drainage. Noninfectious forms can be treated with splinting, rest, and anti-inflammatories.