Preventing and Treating Wrist Tendinitis

Any time you see the suffix itis, it indicates the inflammation of a particular part of the body (think appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix, or arthritis, which combines the Greek word for joint–arthro–and itis). Inflammation usually means pain. So in the case of wrist tendinitis, pain is caused by inflammation of the tendon or tendons of the wrist, typically due to trauma of some kind or repetitive stress.

In order to treat wrist tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis), you must first identify its cause. Once you do, you can then either stop this activity altogether or modify your body mechanics to prevent it from reoccurring. One common example would be switching to an “ergonomic keyboard” to improve your typing posture. This may reduce stress to your wrist tendons and eliminate the inflammation and its associated pain.

Home treatment for wrist tendinitis may include icing the affected area to reduce inflammation, the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen, or exercise to strengthen the affected area.

If home treatment doesn’t achieve the desired effect, professional treatment may be required. This may include the use of splints to immobilize the joint, cortisone injections to reduce inflammation, or surgery to permanently repair the joint.

For more information on wrist tendinitis or any other bone, joint, or muscle issue relating to the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, contact Sierra Pacific Orthopedics at (559) 256-5200.