- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Contracture of Tendon Sheath
May also be called: Contracture of Tendon (Sheath); Tendon Sheath Contracture
Contracture (kun-TRAK-chur) of tendon sheath is a rare condition in which the protective sheath surrounding a tendon tightens and grows thicker, which can limit movement in an affected joint. Tendons are the special cords made of tough tissue that attach muscles to bones.
More to Know
Non-bony tissue — such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin — is normally flexible, allowing joints to move. A contracture is a condition in which this tissue stiffens and becomes permanently tight, affecting the joint's movement.
Many tendons are surrounded by a membrane called the tendon sheath, or synovium, that protects the tendon and keeps it lubricated. When contracture happens to a tendon sheath, it can pull a tendon and muscle tight.
Contracture of tendon sheath is most common in the tendons of the wrist, hands, and feet. It often happens after a tendon-related injury in which a tendon sheath stays irritated for too long or heals incorrectly. Other causes include deformity, certain diseases, and long-term immobility, or lack of use. Contracture of tendon sheath can cause physical deformity (such as fingers that are tightened into a curl) as well as disability and, in some cases, pain.
Stretching, bracing, and physical therapy can help keep contracture from getting worse, but once the tendon sheath is contracted it usually stays that way. Repairing a contracted tendon sheath and restoring a full range of motion often requires surgery.
Keep in Mind
Many cases of contracture of tendon sheath are mild, cause very few problems, and never require any treatment. If a contracture causes pain or interferes with movement, however, surgery can often correct the problem.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.