Wrist Tendonitis Treatment
Wrist tendonitis is simply a term meaning inflammation of the tendons in the wrist.
The tendons that make up the wrist are made up of fibrous strands that connect the muscles to the bone. These tendons are responsible for allowing you to move your fingers and wrist. Due to the constant movement of these tendons, they are susceptible to inflammation from overuse injuries.
In most cases, wrist tendonitis is caused from repeated motion of the wrist such as using a mouse at a computer. The prolonged repetition of movement causes a strain on the tendons within the wrist, causing inflammation and pain during wrist movement.
Common causes of wrist tendonitis are:
- Work: Jobs that require frequent overhead reaching or wrist movement such as typing are susceptible to injury.
- Sport: Many sports require repetitive movement of the wrist such as tennis and golf.
- Age: As we age, we become more susceptible to injury. In older adults, the tendons in the body begin to lose strength, resulting in injury
- Injury: sudden injuries to the wrist can cause injury to the tendons surrounding the wrist. These injuries often occur after a sudden fall.
The Common Symptoms of Wrist Tendonitis
The following symptoms may range from mild to severe:
- Pain in the wrist
- Pain in the wrist that worsens with movement
- Shooting pain up the arm
- Stiffness in the wrist joint
- A decrease in grip strength
- Creaking noise when moving the wrist
Wrist Tendonitis Treatment Options
Wrist tendonitis is typically treated without surgical intervention. In most cases, treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation to allow the tendon to fully heal. Physical therapy treatment for wrist tendonitis include:
- Manual Therapy Treatment
- Wrist strengthening exercises
- Use of heat and cold modalities
- At home exercise plan
Your physical therapist will be able to determine the severity of your wrist tendonitis pain and will create a wrist rehabilitation program to fit your needs. Your PTs ultimate goal is to reduce your symptoms so that you can go back to doing everyday activities pain free. If you believe you are suffering from wrist tendonitis, schedule an evaluation appointment with one of our expert physical therapists.
