About Wrist Tendonitis
Wrist tendonitis happens when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed, usually from overuse. It is common in people who do activities that put strain the wrist, such as rowing, weightlifting, racket sports (like tennis and racquetball), horseback riding, skiing, and other repetitive movements.
The causes of wrist tendonitis can be attributed to the tendons in the wrist overlapping and rubbing against each other, causing friction, pain, and swelling. This friction is a result of overusing the tendons that extend or straighten the fingers.
When it comes to risk factors for wrist tendonitis, they can be divided into two categories: non-modifiable and modifiable.
Non-modifiable risk factors for wrist tendonitis cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Increased age: Studies have shown that older individuals are more likely to develop wrist tendonitis.
- Gender: Research has found that women are at a higher risk of developing this condition compared to men.
Modifiable risk factors for wrist tendonitis can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Occupation: Certain occupations that involve repetitive wrist movements or manual labor may increase the risk of developing this condition.
- Workplace demands: Jobs that require frequent use of the wrist or repetitive motions can contribute to wrist tendonitis.
- Sporting activity: Engaging in physically demanding activities, such as sports or exercise routines that strain the wrists, can increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
It's important to note that these risk factors do not guarantee the development of wrist tendonitis, and individuals without these risk factors can still develop the condition. If you have concerns about your risk for wrist tendonitis, it's best to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The most common early symptoms of wrist tendonitis include:
- Pain and stiffness in the wrist, especially in the morning after waking up
- The wrist feels tender and sore when pressure is applied
- Mild swelling may be visible, and wrist may make a creaking noise when moved
- A dull, passive ache on the wrist, rather than a sharp, intense pain
As wrist tendonitis progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur. These can include:
- Decreased range of motion in the hand
- Weakness when performing routine motions such as gripping, pinching, throwing, typing, using a computer mouse, or using a computer game controller
- Warmth and redness in the affected area
- Swelling and inflammation that can reduce mobility and make repetitive activities such as texting or typing more difficult
- A grinding sensation or creaking noise when moving the wrist
- Weakness in the wrist
- Severe pain when attempting to use the wrist
- Inability to bear weight on the wrist
- Numbness in the wrist, hands, fingers, or elbow
- A lump on the forearm
It's important to note that symptoms can vary depending on the cause and extent of inflammation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To diagnose wrist tendonitis, doctors commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Physical examination: During your initial appointment, a doctor will physically examine your wrist for signs of swelling, pain, and tenderness. They will also assess your mobility and range of motion.
- Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history to gather important information that may help in the diagnosis.
In addition to these common examinations and tests, doctors may use the following to determine the severity or progression of wrist tendonitis:
- X-rays: X-rays can help identify any structural changes in the wrist and rule out other possible causes of symptoms. This imaging technique can provide valuable information about the condition of the bones and joints in the wrist.
- Blood tests: Although wrist tendonitis does not typically cause blood abnormalities, doctors may order blood tests to rule out other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These tests can check for specific antibodies like rheumatoid factor or anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies that are associated with certain types of arthritis.
It's important to note that the diagnostic work-up for wrist tendonitis may vary depending on individual cases and the preferences of the healthcare provider. Therefore, it's always best to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
The goals of treatment for wrist tendonitis are to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, promote healing, and prevent further injury. Here are the different types of treatments recommended and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Medication:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications help reduce pain and inflammation in the wrist. They work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
- Acetaminophen: This over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate pain associated with wrist tendonitis.
- Therapies:
- Gentle stretching exercises: These exercises can improve flexibility and strengthen the wrist tendons, promoting healing and preventing future injury.
- Occupational therapy: This therapy helps individuals modify their activities to reduce strain on the wrist tendons. Occupational therapists can also teach techniques for proper body mechanics to prevent further injury.
- Hot and cold therapy: Alternating between applying heat and cold to the affected area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Therapeutic procedures:
- Splinting or bracing: Wearing a splint or brace can provide support to the wrist, limiting movement and allowing the tendons to rest and heal.
- Steroid injections: In some cases, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the wrist to reduce inflammation. These injections can provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.
- Health behavior changes:
- Avoiding repetitive activities: It is important to avoid activities that may have caused or contributed to wrist tendonitis. This helps prevent further irritation and allows the tendons to heal.
- Resting the tendon: Resting the affected wrist by avoiding aggravating movements allows for better healing.
- Other treatments:
- Surgery (rarely needed): In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary. During surgery, a small incision is made in the wrist, damaged tendons are located, and the surrounding sheath is released.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.
Wrist tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons in the wrist. Over time, if left untreated or not properly managed, wrist tendonitis can progress and lead to complications.
Natural progression of wrist tendonitis:
- If not addressed, wrist tendonitis can worsen over time, leading to increased pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion in the wrist.
- Chronic tendonitis may develop, requiring long-term management strategies.
Complications of wrist tendonitis:
- One common complication of wrist tendonitis is a wrist fracture. This can occur due to weakened tendons and increased vulnerability of the wrist.
- Complications from a wrist fracture may include pain in the hand and arm, swollen fingers, numbness in the hand and forearm, loss of grip strength, and limited range of motion in the fingers and hand.
- In some cases, tendonitis can lead to tenosynovitis, which is the inflammation of the protective sheath (synovium) surrounding a tendon, which helps the tendon glide smoothly during movement. Irritation of a tendon (tendonitis) can inflame the surrounding sheath (tenosynovitis), and inflamed sheaths can put extra strain on the tendon.
- In some cases, arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome may develop because of wrist tendonitis. These conditions can cause ongoing pain, decreased mobility, and limited grip strength.
Remember that it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding your specific situation. Consulting with a healthcare provider when symptoms of wrist tendonitis pop up is important to prevent further complications and reduce the risk of permanent damage to the wrist tendons and joints.