Tenosynovitis is an inflammation or injury to the synovial sheath surrounding the tendon. These sheaths secrete synovial fluid which acts as a lubricant to reduce friction during movement. Repetitive motion using the hands and wrists may provoke an excessive secretion of synovial fluid, with the sheath becoming swollen and painful. Highly repetitive hand and wrist movements may increase the risk of tendon sheath irritation and tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis often affects workers in meatpacking and poultry processing. Also those whose tasks require buffing, grinding, sanding, sawing, and punch press operations.