Tendinitis of the Wrist
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Tendinitis is inflammation in a tendon that can come from repetitive stress or injury. In the wrist, tendinitis can limit the activities that get us through the day. But there are treatment options that can help. Read on to learn about wrist tendinitis and how to fix it.
Tendinitis of the Wrist
Anatomy of the Wrist
A tendon is a fibrous cord-like structure that attaches a muscle to bone. There are several tendons surrounding and crossing through the wrist joint. They are responsible for creating the movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers. We rely on them every day to perform basic activities of daily living to throwing 100+ MPH fast balls in elite-level athletes.
Normal functioning tendons slide within a sheath lined with synovial fluid. This provides a smooth and frictionless movement. Injury to the tendon or tendon sheath can occur with repetitive activities. These activities include: gripping, pinching, throwing, and prolonged computer use. Injuries to tendons cause inflammation causing the lining of the sheath or sheath itself to thicken. This prevents the tendon from freely gliding. Inflammation of a tendon or tendon sheath is known as tendinitis and tenosynovitis respectively. Once a tendon becomes inflamed, normal movements of the wrist become painful. This leads to a decrease in range of motion and strength impacting the individual’s ability to perform self-care, homemaking, and recreational activities. A sprain wrist is when the ligaments are injured or stretched out. The symptoms may often appear to be similar to wrist tendonitis.
If you would like to learn about wrist sprains, this VIDEO may help.
Common Causes of Tendinitis of Wrist
A common form of wrist tendinitis is known as Dequervain’s tenosynovitis. It is an inflammation of the tendons and/or tendon sheath at the base of the back of the thumb and wrist. It causes pain with grasping, pinching, or twisting. Individuals with jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive motions of the wrist and hand are more susceptible to Dequervain’s. In addition to new mothers from continuous lifting of the baby.
Dequervain’s tenosynovitis can be diagnosed by performing the Finkelstein test. This is where the patient bends their thumb while wrapping all the other fingers around it. They then bend the wrist towards the little finger. Pain at the base of the thumb and wrist indicates a positive test.
Treatments for Tendonitis of Wrist
Wrist pain can be attributed to several factors and determining the source of pain is key to providing appropriate treatment. Wrist pain should be properly diagnosed by first seeing an upper extremity orthopedic physician for further evaluation. Depending on the severity of wrist pain, treatments can range from conservative methods to requiring surgical intervention. Common forms of treatment for wrist tendinitis:
Immobilization using an orthosis to limit movements of the wrist and thumb to allow irritated and inflamed tendons to become calm.
Corticosteroid injections and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If indicated, the upper extremity physician can inject a concentrated amount of corticosteroid directly into the joint to decrease both inflammation and pain. Dr. Garry Kitay states “wrist tendonitis can cause excruciating pain at times. If it does not resolve quickly with rest and splinting, steroid injections tend to be very effective.” Dr. Kitay is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and practices at JOI San Marco.
Activity modification and patient education can help to limit flare ups of symptoms.
Surgical intervention to increase the space where the tendons travel to allow increased “breathing” room for inflamed tendons and/or tendon sheath.
Physical Therapy can be very important in the recovery process if you have tendinitis of the wrist or you have had surgery for this condition. Your clinician would give you stretching exercise for tendonitis. JOI Rehab has 12 locations in Northeast Florida to get you back on the road to recovery.
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Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
If you have pain in the wrist or hand, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. To schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic Wrist and Hand Specialist, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below. To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.
By: Julia Guthart, CHT/Occupational Therapist