A tendon sheath inflammation is triggered by repetitive strains. This mainly affects people who work at a computer, but can strike hairdressers, physiotherapists or assembly workers too.
In many cases, the causes of a tendon sheath inflammation can be clearly established. In spite of this, they are not recognised everywhere as an occupational disease. This is the case in Germany, for instance, where each individual case must be investigated. Finland, on the other hand, has recognised them. And in the US, a tendon sheath inflammation has been defined as an occupational accident. These national differences are primarily attributable to the interpretation of the term "occupational disease" – this mainly being shaped by the legislation and court practice of the country in question. Legislation and court practice, meanwhile, are the product of political factors which are, in turn, closely connected with the health system in place – thus forming a highly complex chain of influencing factors. The term "occupational accident" is easier to define. Here, the external, sudden event which causes the occupational accident furnishes the proof.
