Fact Checked
Wrist tendonitis is a condition where the tendons of the wrist are damaged due to overuse and results to inflammation and swelling of the affected tendons.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ4aLR55PJY”]The wrist is composed of eight small bones in the hand with two bones passing the forearm called the ulna and radius. There are several muscles of the hand and wrist which originates from the ulna and radius.
Compression is placed on the tendons of the wrist once the muscles contract. Substantial tension caused by strong force or overuse during activities result to severe damage to the tendons of the wrist.
Causes
- Engaging in constant movements during sports such as golf, gymnastics and racquet sports
- Not performing proper warm up before exercises or playing sports
- Repetitive strain caused by overuse such as engaging in heavy physical work using the wrist.
- Falling down on an outstretched hand
There is pain when touching the affected tendons of the wrist - Poor posture and injuries to the neck.
- Repetitive and forceful gripping of the hand
- Straining the tendons of the wrist such as knitting, sewing, carpentry and painting.
- Performing forceful activities such as weightlifting
- Using vibrating machines
- Injury on specific nerves in the body
- Individuals with history of upper back, elbow, wrist and shoulder injury are susceptible
Symptoms
- There is pain when touching the affected tendons of the wrist
- Swelling of the area
- Stiffness and pain in the wrist and hand that happens at night or in the morning.
- Symptoms becomes worse when performing activities using the fingers and wrist such as gripping an object, opening jars and doors, typing, cooking, writing, performing household activities, placing weights and picking up objects using the affected hand and wrist.
- Numbness of the fingers
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest to help heal the affected tendons and promote fast healing of the condition.
- Apply an ice pack the affected area to lessen the pain caused by tendonitis. Wrap the ice pack using a small towel and place it on the affected area for at least 15-20 minutes every one hour or so. This can help lessen the initial swelling and pain that happens immediately after the injury. If an ice pack is not available, frozen foods can also be used.
- Wear a splint or a bandage to help restrict movement of the affected area.
- Epsom salts has magnesium that helps with the healing of wrist tendonitis. Mix a cup of Epsom salt to warm water and stir until completely dissolved. Soak the affected wrist for at least an hour for 2-3 times every week. Another alternative is to mix Epsom salt in warm water and soak a clean washcloth in the solution that is compressed on the affected wrist for at least 15-20 minutes. This solution helps lessen the pain and relaxes the tendons. In addition, apply moisturizers on the skin to prevent dryness.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to lessen the pain.
- Once the pain of the affected area is minimized, use a hot water bottle and rest the affected wrist on the bottle to increase blood circulation in the area. Wrap the hot water bottle in a towel before placing on the affected wrist to prevent skin scalding and burns.