Inflammation in the tendons that link the muscles in the forearm to the bones in the hand is called wrist tendonitis. If you develop this condition, you may experience pain when you make a fist, lift objects, or perform repetitive wrist movements. In other words, this condition appears when an inflammation in the tough tissues of the wrist occurs. These tissues connect the wrist, hands, and fingers. Usually, people develop wrist tendonitis when they overuse them or get an injury (such as a sprain).
Furthermore, one of the most common forms of wrist tendonitis is known as de Quervain’s tendinitis. It negatively affects the tendons located near the thumb. Sometimes, you may also get ulnar tendinitis, which occurs due to irritation of the tendons on the pinkie side of the hand.
Generally, this condition is rare. It affects about 0.5% of males and 1.3 of females.
Symptoms
Check below some symptoms that people with wrist tendonitis often experience:
- Stiffness or a popping sensation when moving the fingers or wrist
- Pain in the wrist, especially near the thumb or pinkie finger
- Swelling around the wrist or the bases of the fingers
- Difficulty or inability to perform some movements, including opening jars, turning doorknobs, lifting pets, babies, or small children
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, do not hesitate to see a doctor.
Causes
Typically, this condition is a result of repetitive stress on the wrist tendons. Normally, the tendons are covered with a lubricated tissue called a tendon sheath. Continuous movements can irritate this sheath, which may lead to inflammation and enlargement. As a result, it is difficult for tendons to glide smoothly through their sheath, causing painful wrist or finger movements.
Risk Factors
While it may affect anyone, some people are at increased risk of developing wrist tendonitis. For instance, new mothers who lift and hold their baby for several hours are more likely to develop this condition. It is also known as “mommy’s wrist”. Check below for other factors that may elevate the risk of this condition:
- Sex – Generally, women are more likely to develop this condition than men.
- Age – Those who are older than 40 years are more prone to develop it.
- A history of tendon injuries or lateral epicondylitis
- A job that involves repetitive wrist movements (including hairstylists, cake decorators, and others)
- Certain infections and diseases – For example, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes.
- Playing sports (such as gymnastics or basketball)
- Poor position of the wrist or hand when typing, texting, or doing other activities
- Smoking
- Performing new activities without conditioning the wrists
- Continue to perform an activity even if you experience pain
How to Prevent Wrist Tendonitis?
The following tips may help prevent or reduce the risk of developing wrist tendonitis. Examples include:
- Stop smoking
- Stretch the wrists before physical activity
- You should not overwork the tendons in the hand or wrist
- Take regular breaks if you perform an activity that involves strain on the wrists
- Use protective braces or splints, especially if they are recommended by your doctor
Diagnosis
First, doctors will perform a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked to the disease. They may also ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history. However, some people develop symptoms similar to other health conditions. These include:
- Arthritis – Painful swelling and inflammation in the joints.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – This is a compression of the wrist nerve that may cause numbness and tingling.
- Trigger finger – This condition often occurs when inflamed tendons cause the finger to remain stuck in a bent position.
- Wrist fractures – These are breaks in the wrist bone.
When it is not clear, physicians may perform some imaging tests to confirm the condition. These include an X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or ultrasound.
Treatment
Healthcare professionals usually prescribe the following treatments for people who develop wrist tendonitis. For example:
- Medicines – They often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease pain and inflammation. Sometimes, doctors may recommend steroid injections.
- Physical or occupational therapy – These therapies are often recommended to regain strength, mobility, and range of motion in the wrist and fingers. Moreover, therapists may recommend some exercises to improve the symptoms, including typing or lifting objects with less wrist pain.
- Rest – This is the most important treatment. Get plenty of rest and avoid pushing through wrist pain, lifting heavy objects, and moving the wrist. It helps the tendons heal faster.
- RICE method – This is a home remedy that includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It often helps reduce swelling and pain.
- Splinting – Physicians may recommend a supportive device that helps stabilize and immobilize the wrist. In some cases, your physician may recommend a custom splint.
Surgery
If you do not notice improvements after previous treatments, doctors may recommend surgery. During this procedure, surgeons will clean the damaged tissue from the tendon sheath and can make some small cuts in this sheath to make more room to move. However, this is an outpatient procedure that requires you to stay overnight in the hospital.
In addition, this surgery may give you some adverse reactions. Check below some examples:
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Pain
- Poor or incomplete wound healing
- Scarring
- Tendon subluxation
However, not everyone who gets this procedure experiences previous negative effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prognosis for people with wrist tendonitis?
While most people recover completely with treatment without chronic pain, some people need more time and additional treatments to recover. It is very important to get protection after you return to activity.
What can be mistaken for tendonitis?
There are some health conditions that can be mistaken for this disorder because they cause similar symptoms. For example:
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bursitis
- Muscle strain
- Tenosynovitis
- Posterior ankle impingement
This article does not contain a complete list of health conditions that can be mistaken for wrist tendonitis. Consult with your doctor for more details.
How long does wrist tendonitis last?
While mild forms of this condition last within 2-3 weeks, in severe cases, it may take up to 6 months to recover. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
