Wrist tendonitis causes inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and light exercise, while surgery may be required for persistent cases. It can be prevented by protecting wrists from injury and using proper equipment. It is different from carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves nerve pinching and loss of sensation.
Wrist tendonitis, also known as tenosynovitis, is inflammation of the tendons in the wrist. People with wrist tendonitis experience pain in the wrists along with limited range of motion, and over time, the wrists can become permanently damaged if the inflammation is allowed to persist. This condition is quite common and there are a number of treatment options that can be used to address it, especially in the initial stages.
Some of the causes of wrist tendonitis include trauma to the wrists, repetitive motion, overuse and misuse of the wrists. For example, someone who holds their hands in the wrong position at the keyboard, even when they don’t type much, may develop wrist tendonitis due to awkward positioning. The first signs of wrist tendonitis include pain and stiffness, with pain appearing above the wrist, and some people also experience swelling. The wrist may also feel warm and tender to the touch.
Treatment involves rest and the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and mitigate the inflammatory reaction occurring in the wrists. These medications may include steroids injected directly into the wrist to relieve swelling directly, along with oral medications. The medications should allow the tendons in the wrist to move more smoothly, allowing the patient pain-free range of motion in the wrist. Light exercise may be recommended to keep the wrists healthy as they heal and to strengthen the tendons.
Persistent wrist tendonitis may require surgical treatment. This should be avoided, as surgery carries risks and the patient will need to complete rehabilitation of the wrist during the healing process. People can reduce their risk of developing wrist tendonitis by protecting their wrists from injury with the appropriate protective gear, including equipment that promotes proper wrist position so people can safely perform tasks such as typing.
Wrist tendonitis is sometimes confused with carpal tunnel syndrome. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the nerves are actually pinched, leading to a tingling or numb feeling in the hand. People may also experience a burning sensation. With wrist tendonitis, there is pain, but no loss of sensation. Patients experiencing wrist pain should see a doctor for an exam, which may include medical imaging studies to learn more about the origins of wrist pain. Your doctor can make treatment recommendations, including prevention recommendations such as bracing to reduce your risk of recurrence.
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