Tenosynovitis Compensation Claims

Tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the hands, wrists and feet. It can cause pain, stiffness, limited range of motion and other symptoms that may affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities.

The condition is primarily associated with workplace activities and overuse. However, it can also develop after acute trauma to the tendons caused by road traffic accidents, sports injuries, slips, trips, and other incidents. If you have suffered from tenosynovitis due to someone else’s fault, you may be eligible to claim tenosynovitis compensation.

To find out if you could claim, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back using our online form. If you have a valid claim, your personal injury solicitor will work on a no win no fee* basis, meaning you do not have to pay any legal fees upfront. You only pay your solicitor a fee if they win your case, making it a risk-free service.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• What is tenosynovitis?
• What are the symptoms and causes of the condition?
• Tenosynovitis diagnosis and treatment
• Can I make a tenosynovitis compensation claim?
• Employer duty of care to prevent repetitive strain injuries
• What jobs are most at risk of developing tenosynovitis?
• Time limits to start a tenosynovitis compensation claim
• How much compensation for tenosynovitis could I receive?
• Can I make a claim for tenosynovitis on a No Win No Fee basis?

What is tenosynovitis?

Tenosynovitis is a condition where the synovial membrane, a thin lining that surrounds tendons in the body, becomes inflamed. Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. They enable the movement of the joints by tightening and contracting. The synovium acts as a protective sheath that lubricates the tendons, allowing them to move smoothly within their respective sheaths.

When this membrane becomes inflamed, it can lead to tenosynovitis. Unlike tendonitis, there is no inflammation in the tendon itself. It can occur in any part of the body but most commonly affects the hands and wrists. The condition can have multiple causes and symptoms, which we detail in the section below.

What are the symptoms and causes of the condition?

Tenosynovitis is most commonly associated with overuse and repetitive movements at work but can also have other causes, such as:

• The forceful or sudden exertion of a tendon while lifting
• Bacterial or fungal infections that can spread to the synovial membrane
• Maintaining awkward positions for extended periods
• Certain underlying medical conditions like arthritis and diabetes
• A direct injury or trauma to a tendon or the area around them

Common accidents that can cause tendon injuries and lead to a tenosynovitis compensation claim include:

• Road traffic accidents that may involve drivers, passengers, cyclists or pedestrians
• Accidents at work, such as falls from heights or machinery incidents
• Slips, trips and falls in public places like shops, supermarkets or on pavements
• Sports accidents caused by faulty equipment or poor ground conditions
• Assaults and violent crimes, mainly if the attacker uses a weapon

Depending on the extent of the injury, the symptoms of tenosynovitis may last for a few days to even months and could include:

• Pain that worsens with movement of the affected joint
• Swelling of the affected area
• Discomfort and limited mobility
• Tenderness
• Warmth due to increased blood flow to the area
• Discolouration in a straight line along the tendon
• Stiffness

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your GP or visit the hospital to have your condition diagnosed and get the appropriate treatment.

Tenosynovitis diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing tenosynovitis involves a physical exam and imaging tests, such as:

• X-rays can show whether the synovial membrane hardened and other signs of inflammation
• An MRI or CT scan will provide a detailed image of the affected area, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis
• An ultrasound can help visualise the affected tendon and the surrounding tissues

The treatment for tenosynovitis aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. The specific course of action will depend on the cause of the injury and how severe it is. You may have to:

• Rest and avoid activities that may worsen the condition or its symptoms
• Wear a brace to reduce stress on the affected tendon
• Apply ice or heat to the area or take medication to reduce pain and inflammation
• Get corticosteroid injections in case of significant pain and inflammation
• Undergo surgery if an infection has caused the tenosynovitis or there is a risk of permanent damage

Possible complications of tenosynovitis may include:

• Chronic inflammation and scarring
• Reduced range of motion
• Chronic pain and stiffness in the affected body part
• Deformed tendons
• Pain and difficulty straightening the affected digits (trigger finger)
• The formation of ganglion cysts, fluid-filled lumps that are painful
• Further joint conditions, such as arthritis

If you suffered from tenosynovitis due to someone else’s negligence, it may be possible to claim compensation. Your solicitor will help you gather all the supporting evidence you need to win your claim.

Can I make a tenosynovitis compensation claim?

If you or a loved one developed tenosynovitis due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to claim tenosynovitis compensation. The legal advisers we work with are ready to offer you a free case assessment over the phone to verify your eligibility. They will take on your case if:

• Your employer or another party breached their duty of care towards you through negligence or wrongdoing
• You have been diagnosed with tenosynovitis as a result within the last three years

Most tenosynovitis claims are work related, but you could also claim against a road user, business owner or local council if they caused your injury. Your solicitor will need as much evidence as possible to support your claim, such as:

• Medical records of your injury and the treatments you received
• An independent medical report about the long-term effects of the RSI and future care needs
• Photographs or videos of the accident scene and the potential cause of your injury
• Statements from colleagues or witnesses to your accident
• Any correspondence with your employer if you raised concerns about your working conditions
• Your notes about how the tenosynovitis has developed and how it has affected you
• CCTV footage of your accident, if available
• A police report if you were the victim of an assault or another violent crime
• An accident report form if you were injured at work or in a public place such as a shop or restaurant
• Records of expenses and financial losses you incurred as a result, such as receipts and invoices

To find out if you can start a tenosynovitis compensation claim, call 0800 470 0474 for free legal advice.

Employer duty of care to prevent repetitive strain injuries

All employers have a duty of care to take appropriate measures to avoid tenosynovitis and other repetitive strain injuries to employees. Their responsibilities are set by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and include:

• Carry out risk assessments to identify tasks and activities that may cause tendon injuries;
• Take adequate measures to eliminate or minimise such risks;
• Provide ergonomic workstations and equipment to reduce the risk of tenosynovitis;
• Make sure employees receive training on proper safe work practices and how to recognise the early signs of tenosynovitis;
• Encourage employees to take regular breaks to rest and stretch their hands and wrists to prevent overuse and fatigue;
• Consider the use of low-vibration tools if possible;
• Provide employees with personal protective equipment when necessary, such as anti-vibration gloves.

If an employer has failed to provide workers with a safe working environment, they may be held liable for injuries suffered at the workplace. If you developed tenosynovitis at work, you may be entitled to compensation.

What jobs are most at risk of developing tenosynovitis?

Workplaces where workers are required to perform repetitive motions must have safety measures in place to reduce or eliminate the risk of injuries. It is the responsibility of employers to carry out risk assessments and adopt safety measures to protect the health and safety of workers. They should ensure adequate training and breaks so employees can perform their tasks without straining any parts of their body.

Workers who perform repetitive movements and activities such as typing and writing have a greater risk of developing this condition. Some other occupations where there is an increased risk of developing tenosynovitis include:

• Construction workers
• Carpenters
• Roofers
• Operators working on punch machines
• Assembly line and manufacturing workers
• Gardeners and landscapers
• Carpenters
• Plumbers

Any other profession that involves the regular and repetitive movement of arms, hands, wrists or fingers is at risk of tenosynovitis injuries. If you developed the condition due to your employer’s negligence, you might be eligible to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

Time limits to start a tenosynovitis compensation claim

Under the Limitation Act 1980, there are strict time limits to claim compensation for a personal injury. Typically, you have three years to start legal proceedings after the date of an accident. In the case of tenosynovitis and other conditions that develop over time, the claim limitation date begins from the date of knowledge.

This date refers to when you became aware or were reasonably expected to know that you suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence. If you miss the three-year deadline, your case becomes statute-barred and no longer valid.

Your solicitor will need time to investigate your case and gather the necessary evidence to support it. Starting your claim as soon as possible will make this process more straightforward, and it will be easier to remember any essential details about the events that led to your injury.

It can take between six months to a few years to receive your compensation for tenosynovitis. If you have pressing financial needs during this time and the other side admits liability, your solicitor may be able to secure interim payments for you. This is effectively a partial advance on the compensation you will eventually receive once the claim has been concluded.

How much compensation for tenosynovitis could I receive?

The amount of compensation you could claim for tenosynovitis will depend on several factors, such as:

• The severity of the tenosynovitis
• Whether the suffering is short-term or it has caused permanent damage
• The circumstances of your injury
• The related financial losses and expenses

Your solicitor will include all your losses in your claim to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Your award will consist of two types of damages. General damages cover the pain and suffering caused by the physical injury, and special damages cover the costs associated with your condition. If your tenosynovitis claim is successful, you could receive compensation for:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of amenities such as the ability to pursue a hobby
• Reduced quality of life
• Medical bills for private treatments
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Travel expenses for medical appointments
• Loss of earnings and a future reduction in income

According to our compensation calculator and based on the guidelines offered by the Judicial College, you could receive:

• £3,810 – £4,160 for minor tenosynovitis with full recovery within a few weeks or months
• £4,640 – £11,640 if there is a negative impact on your ability to perform daily tasks with recovery within three years
• £23,110 – £34,280 for a moderately severe condition with ongoing symptoms
• £37,968 – £52,490 for severe tenosynovitis that has caused almost complete loss of function in one or both hands and wrists

Can I make a claim for tenosynovitis on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you have valid grounds to make a claim, the solicitors we work with will offer you a conditional fee agreement. This way, you can start legal proceedings without having to pay anything upfront, regardless of your financial situation.

There is no financial risk to you if you make a no win no fee injury claim. Your solicitor only gets a success fee if they can secure tenosynovitis compensation. Otherwise, you do not owe them a single penny. Furthermore, they will take out After the Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf, which will cover all your costs and disbursement if you lose the case, including:

• The defendant’s solicitor and legal expenses
• Court and counsel fees
• Medical reports and expert witness fees
• Costs of printing and copying
• Travel expenses
• Barrister fees if the case goes to court

Under a no win no fee agreement, you only pay anything if you receive tenosynovitis compensation. In this case, the cost of the ATE premium and the success fee (up to 25% of your compensation) will be deducted from your award, and you will keep the rest.

If you would like more information about making a tenosynovitis claim, please call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details into our online form to request a call back. An experienced solicitor will let you know if you have a valid compensation claim and answer any questions you have about the claims process.

Last edited on 7th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.