Are you frequently experiencing pain or discomfort in your wrist? If so, you may be struggling with a condition known as tendonitis. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that can affect any joint, but it's especially commonly experienced around the wrist.

Wrist tendonitis can be caused by repetitive motions and activities, such as typing on a keyboard or frequent texting, and can cause enough pain to make everyday tasks difficult. In this blog post, we'll discuss everything from the causes and symptoms to potential treatments for wrist tendonitis. Read on to learn more!

What Is Wrist Tendinitis (tendonitis)

Wrist tendinitis, or tendonitis, is when the wrist tendons become inflamed and cause pain. The irritation of the tendons can be caused by overuse or sudden injury, such as a sprain.

Tendinitis can affect any of the six tendons in your wrist, but it is most commonly found near the thumb area in a condition called de Quervain's tendinitis or ulnar tendinitis on the pinkie side of your hand.

Wrist Tendonitis Symptoms

Those suffering from this condition typically experience some combination of the following symptoms:

• Pain Upon Movement: One of the most common signs of wrist tendonitis is acute pain that intensifies with movement. Simple actions like making a fist or turning your wrist may result in significant discomfort and tenderness.
• Swelling and Redness: Along with pain, those struggling with tendonitis often see swelling and redness around their wrist joint. These signs of inflammation develop when an injury or condition is present.
• Crepitus: Crepitus is a grinding sensation that sometimes occurs in the wrist joint of those with tendonitis. It is caused by damaged tendons rubbing against each other or nearby bone, which can be painful and uncomfortable.

Wrist Tendonitis Causes

The most common cause of wrist tendonitis is the repetitive use of the wrist. When we do any activity or movement repeatedly, it can strain the tendons in our wrists and cause them to become inflamed. This is why people with jobs involving tasks such as typing, writing, or using a mouse for extended periods are at increased risk for wrist tendonitis.

In addition to overuse, several other factors may contribute to wrist tendonitis:

• Trauma - Wrist tendonitis can be caused by an injury or trauma to the joint, including fractures and sprains.
• Autoimmune Disorders - People with certain autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, may be more susceptible to developing wrist tendonitis.
• Gout or Pseudogout - A sudden joint swelling due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals can also lead to wrist tendonitis.
• Diabetes - Poor blood circulation due to diabetes has been linked with an increased risk for tendonitis in wrists and hands.

Who Gets Wrist Tendinitis

While anyone can experience wrist tendinitis, certain factors put some at greater risk for developing it.

Gender

Women are more likely to develop tendonitis than men. This is due to anatomy; women's wrists are smaller, and their tendons are more prone to tearing from repetitive strain or overuse. Women who have had babies, especially those who lift small children frequently, are particularly vulnerable as this activity puts extra stress on their wrists.

Age

Older adults also have an increased risk of developing wrist tendonitis. As people age, their tendons become more brittle and prone to injury. Repetitive motions or activities can cause the tendons to tear, leading to inflammation and pain.

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions also put people at greater risk for developing wrist tendonitis. People with diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout may be more susceptible to this condition due to weakened muscles and joint instability due to their disease. Additionally, those with certain infections are at higher risk of developing this condition.

Repetitive Activities

Repetitive activities such as typing on a keyboard or texting can also lead to tendon inflammation in the wrist. In some cases, the pain may result from poor posture or positioning when doing these activities, such as having the wrists bent for too long or in an uncomfortable position.

Sports

Certain sports can also increase your risk of developing tendonitis. Gymnastics and basketball strain wrist joints more due to their quick movements; improperly conditioning beforehand could lead to injury and inflammation.

Other Risk Factors

Smoking is another risk factor for developing this condition due to its effects on circulation levels which can reduce healing times and cause further damage to inflamed tendons. Additionally, those who push through pain when it occurs are more likely to worsen their condition instead of allowing it time to heal.

Wrist Tendinitis Diagnosis

Wrist tendonitis, or tendinopathy, commonly affects the wrist tendons. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness, making it difficult to perform daily activities. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking medical advice for diagnosis and treatment is important.

When diagnosing wrist tendonitis, healthcare professionals usually begin by taking a detailed history of your symptoms and physically examining the injured area.

They may also conduct specific stretches to identify which tendon is affected; this includes the Finkelstein test for de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to check for fractures or arthritis, and MRI scans can determine the presence of fluid around the tendon.

Wrist Tendinitis Treatment

Several treatments are available to manage symptoms and help heal any damage. Depending on the severity of your condition, your healthcare provider recommends the following treatments:

Home Remedies

The first step for treating wrist tendonitis is usually a plan for self-care at home, which may include immobilizing the wrist with a splint or brace, icing several times per day to reduce inflammation and swelling, elevating your arm above your waist to further reduce swelling, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Gentle stretching exercises can also help strengthen and stretch the joint as it heals.

In Office Care

If home treatment is not providing enough relief for your wrist tendonitis, more options are available through in-office care from a healthcare provider. Physical therapy can identify painful movements and provide a range of motion and strengthening exercises for the joint.

Cortisone injections directly into the affected area are often used to lower inflammation and pain quickly. Ultrasound therapy is also sometimes used to locate the injured tendon and remove damaged tissue.

Surgery

In severe cases of wrist tendonitis, surgery may be necessary to repair any damage to the tendons. This procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia and involves making a small incision in the wrist and removing inflamed tissues or releasing pressure from tight tendon sheaths.

Physical therapy afterward can help your wrist heal faster, but it comes with risks such as infection, nerve injuries, swelling, bleeding, scarring, and tendon tearing.

Preventing Flare-Ups

To prevent flare-ups of wrist tendonitis:

• It is important to modify activities known to irritate or aggravate your condition. This may mean changing how you lift or adjust your grip and wearing a splint, brace, or wrap when performing activities irritating your wrist.
• Additionally, preparing your tendons for activity through gentle stretching and heat (followed by ice) before engaging in any physical activity is important.

FAQs

How long does it take wrist tendonitis to heal?

The healing process for wrist tendonitis depends on the severity of your condition. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with rest and home treatment within a few weeks.

What aggravates wrist tendonitis?

Repetitive motions or activities such as typing on a keyboard, text messaging, heavy lifting, and certain sports can aggravate wrist tendonitis. Poor posture and improper wrist positioning when completing these tasks can also put extra strain on the tendons in your wrist.

Can I exercise with wrist tendonitis?

It is best to consult with a healthcare professional regarding exercise with wrist tendonitis. Gentle stretches can help to strengthen your joints, but repetitive movements or activities may worsen the situation if proper care is not taken.

Conclusion

Wrist tendonitis is a common condition caused by repetitive motions and activities or underlying health conditions. It causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area and can make everyday tasks difficult. Wrist tendonitis is diagnosed through a detailed history, physical examination, imaging tests, and specific stretches. Treatment for this condition includes home remedies, anti-inflammatory medication, in-office care, and, in severe cases, surgery.