James C. Cassandra, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
The hand is one of the many parts of the body that we take for granted until we begin to have problems with it.
Wrist tendonitis is one of these debilitating conditions that can leave you feeling truly uncomfortable.
Pain and swelling, wrist creaking, and feeling as though even the simplest of functions is impossible could all mean a case of wrist tendonitis.
But what is it, and how can you recover full range of motion again?
Contact our hand, wrist, and elbow experts at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio today to learn more.
What Is Wrist Tendonitis?
The wrist joint contains six major, sheath-lined tendons that connect muscles and control movement in the wrist, hand, and fingers.
The tendon can become inflamed due to overuse or injury, often at the junction of the wrist joint where tendons cross.
The result of inflammation can be that the tendons lose strength, thus resulting in reduced range during certain movements. Patients can experience tenderness, stiffness, or even severe pain.
What Is De Quervain’s Tendinosis?
De Quervain’s tendinosis is a particular kind of wrist tendonitis that affects two specific tendons around the base of the thumb.The sheath around the tendons can degenerate, causing the leaking of synovial fluid and unwanted friction in the area. It can result in pain and numbness from inflammation and resulting stiffness.
Causes of Wrist Tendonitis
Although anyone is at risk of developing problems with a wrist tendon, these issues are caused mainly by performing repetitive motions.
Thus, those who do regular manual labor and those who play sports are more likely to be affected.
Overuse of the wrist tendon can lead to wrist pain. If one continues to perform these repetitive movements, it could result in an aggravated tendon.
- About Wrist Tendonitis
Tendonitis in the wrist can also be caused by injury or trauma, along with certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or gout.
How Is Wrist Tendonitis Diagnosed?
Pain in the wrist may disappear by itself after a day or two. However, if your symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention or visit a doctor who can soon diagnose the issue.
A qualified orthopedic specialist will physically examine your wrist while also reviewing your symptoms.
This may include checking for swelling and tenderness while having you perform specific small wrist and hand movements. Your doctor may also order that an x-ray or MRI be scheduled to rule out any other issues.
How Is Wrist Tendonitis Treated?
In order to quickly treat wrist tendonitis, the whole area must be allowed to rest and heal. This will help prevent any further damage to the inflamed tissue.
It may be best to temporarily refrain from doing jobs or chores that require repetitive motion. Doing gentle exercises can help stretch your wrist, gradually allowing for more significant movement.
- A doctor may also recommend using a custom splint on the wrist to reduce movement and avoid awkward positions, allowing the wrist tendons time to heal.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to lessen pain by reducing swelling.
Wrist Tendonitis Surgery
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Wrist tendonitis surgery often involves making a small incision over the tendon.
Once the tendon sheath is released, the surgeon can remove any inflamed tissue, thus increasing blood flow to the area to reduce further inflammation.
Another option may be the removal of a damaged tendon and the transfer of a tendon from somewhere else in the body. At times, surgeons can also reattach the tendon to the wrist bone and restore full range of motion.
It can take 6-12 weeks to recover from surgery. Physical therapy and hand therapy are often prescribed to keep the hand moving and increase blood flow.
- In addition, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to reduce swelling until the area has healed.
Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!
If you have been suffering the symptoms of wrist tendonitis or even tricep tendonitis, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.
Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.
Related Services
Elbow
Hand & Wrist
- Arthritis of the Hand, Wrist & Thumb
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Finger Sprains
- Broken Wrist
- Wrist Sprain
- Wrist Tendonitis
- Ganglion Cyst
- Trigger Finger Syndrome
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
- De Quervain’s Tendinosis
- Hand Tendon Repair
- Basal Joint Surgery
- Hand Arthroplasty
- Wrist Arthroscopy
- Closed Reduction-Internal Fixation
- Mallet Finger
Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Specialists
YOU USE YOUR HANDS, WRISTS, AND ELBOWS ALL THE TIME. DON’T LET PAIN INTERFERE WITH YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE OR INDEPENDENCE. CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE IF YOU HAVE PERSISTENT PAIN IN YOUR HAND, WRIST, OR ELBOW THAT LIMITS YOUR MOVEMENT OR INDEPENDENCE.
Gary M. Millard, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
Scott P. Stephens, MD
Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon
Desmond J. Stutzman, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
“I love this group of Doctors. They have specialists to cover what ever part of the body is in need of treatment. Every doctor i have seen in this practice have had a very good bedside manner and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice for all your orthopedic and neurological needs”
Teresa H.
Patient
