Wrist Tendonitis

The human wrist consists of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. When any of these structures get affected by an injury or a medical condition, the range of motion of the affected hand might get restricted. As a result, performing tasks such as holding or gripping objects might become difficult.

Wrist tendonitis is a medical condition that is characterized by inflammation of tendons in the wrist. The tendons in the wrist slide through protective membranes called tendon sheaths or tenosynovium.

The thickening of these tendon sheaths can restrict the movement of the tendons, thereby causing wrist pain. Inflamed tendons can affect the range of motion of the hands and adversely affect one's ability to use his/her hands in different types of activities.

The most common cause of tendonitis of the wrist is trauma to the tendons or repetitive strain injuries. Those who indulge in activities that place undue stress on the tendons are most likely to develop pain in the wrist. Wrist problems might be caused due to repetitive movements such as typing, driving, or lifting heavy objects.

Those who play sports such as golf, baseball, or tennis might also be at a risk of developing tendonitis of the wrist. Playing musical instruments that involve repetitive wrist movements could also be a contributing factor.

☞ Wrist pain is a common symptom of an inflamed wrist tendon.
☞ The intensity of pain often increases while holding or gripping objects.
☞ One might experience severe wrist pain while twisting hands. The pain could also radiate to the forearm.

☞ Inflammation could lead to a loss of hand strength. As a result, the affected person is most likely to experience pain while gripping heavy objects.
☞ The other symptoms that might be experienced include swelling, numbness, tenderness, soreness, feeling of tightness, and stiffness around the wrist.

Often, tendonitis of the wrist is misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome due to the similarity in the symptoms. Thus, a thorough medical examination is essential for a proper diagnosis.

Since this condition is caused due to repetitive strain, the affected individual must refrain from activities that cause stress to this joint. Resting the wrist is integral to the treatment, which is why the affected individual must refrain from performing any activity that might worsen the condition.

Application of ice packs might also prove beneficial in reducing the swelling. The treatment also involves the immobilization of the wrist, which is why the patient might be recommended to wear a wrist splint for preventing any further damage.

The use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs might be recommended. If the symptoms are severe, doctors might recommend the use of steroids. Once the inflammation reduces considerably, one could also go for physical therapy sessions. Performing wrist strengthening exercises will also help in building up the strength of the wrist joint.

One can also try acupuncture for healing the inflamed tendons. In severe cases, when these treatment options don't seem to help, doctors might suggest surgery. The surgery involves the removal of the inflamed tissues, so as to facilitate proper movement of the tendons.

If diagnosed at an early stage, this condition can be easily treated. So, medical help must be sought by anyone who has been experiencing the aforementioned symptoms. Also, the affected individual must refrain from performing any physical activity that could cause strain to the tendons in the wrist.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.