Wrist tendinitis, also called tenosynovitis, is a common condition characterized by irritation and inflammation of the tendons around the wrist joint.
Wrist tendinitis usually affects one of the tendons, but it may also involve two or more. Often, wrist tendinitis occurs at points where the tendons cross each other or pass over a bony prominence.
Source
Symptoms
The symptoms of tendinitis include:
- Pain or tenderness at or near a joint, especially around a shoulder, wrist, elbow, or ankle
- Stiffness that, along with the pain, restricts the movement of the joint involved
- Mild swelling or thickening of the tendon near the joint
Causes
Wrist tendinitis is an overuse condition which occurs due to repetitive strain or friction of the tendon. It usually occurs in a tendon which rubs over a bony prominence or where excessive repetitive strain has been placed on the tendon. Whilst tendinitis is the most common term used to describe this injury, it is often technically incorrect. Investigations and biopsies have often found no inflammatory cells present. Wrist tendinitis symptoms and treatment are usually the same whether the injury is inflammation or degeneration.
Diagnosis
Tendinitis is typically diagnosed by a physical exam alone. If you have the symptoms of overuse tendinopathy, your doctor may order an ultrasound or MRI scans to help determine tendon thickening, dislocations and tears.
Treatment
Rest from aggravating activities. Continuing to use the wrist when it is painful will prevent healing and could make the injury worse. A chronic tendon injury that has not been looked after in the early days is much more difficult to treat. Wearing a wrist splint or support may help with resting, particularly if you need to use your hands. By immobilizing the wrist the tendons have to work a lot less and have a chance of healing. Apply cold therapy to ease pain and swelling particularly in the early days or when the wrist tendinitis is very painful. Preventing Future Problems
