A healthy tendon moves unhindered through a protective sheath that allows it to travel around joints and across other tendons. Someone with tendinitis experiences thickening of the tendon sheath, which restricts the tendon’s movement. The area generally becomes inflamed, making joint movement painful and more difficult. While wrist tendinitis may occur anywhere along a tendon, it is most commonly seen at a point of contact with bone or with another tendon. One frequent example of wrist tendinitis, especially in new mothers, is called DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis. This inflammation of the tendon is found at the base of the thumb.
There are some underlying factors that may make you prone to tendinitis, including age, poor wrist posture, poorly aligned joints, injury, or diabetes. Tendinitis can also stem from repetitive daily activities. For example, using a mouse or keyboard, texting, playing video games, or consistently writing with a pen or pencil could be causing your wrist to feel pain, become swollen, or lose flexibility.
Treatment for Wrist Tendinitis
Treatment options for wrist tendinitis vary depending on the severity of the case. Start by avoiding any activities that could be causing stress to your wrist. If your wrist begins to hurt or becomes swollen, apply ice to reduce inflammation. However, if the problems persist, you should see a doctor to receive proper treatment.
As a first step, we often use a splint, which allows the tendon to rest by limiting its movement. In less serious cases, this decreases swelling and allows the pain to subside. While you’re home, intermittent icing is also recommended.
If this approach is ineffective in reducing pain and swelling, another option is to use non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication. This includes over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or prescriptions provided by your doctor. This should at least allow for temporary relief.
For severe cases, a cortisone injection applied directly to the site of inflammation may ease the symptoms. Cortisone injections are considered safe but may weaken the tendons of the area over time if injections are done repeatedly. Our final option is surgery, which is highly effective and can frequently be done in the office under local anesthesia with sedation. The surgery requires a small incision in the wrist to locate the damaged tendon to release the sheath surrounding it. Ultimately, more space is created for the tendon to move by widening the tunnel and removing inflammatory tissue. Your wrist will feel as good as new in just a few weeks.
Contact Us
Testimonials
I was impressed by Dr. Desai’s skills and how he treated me. My Dupuytren’s contracture had progressed. He saw me quickly, gave me several options and I chose needle aponeurotomy. About 45 minutes later I was on my way home with full range of motion in my hand. I would see
him again.
C.H.
I had lost the use of my thumb and could not write my name, get dressed, open things or do other tasks. After my surgery I had it all back, regaining full mobility of my thumb. I got excellent care. Dr. Desai and his staff are patient and considerate. He’s the best hand surgeon in this area.
S.A.
Before seeing Dr. Desai, I had terrible arthritic pain in my thumbs. I’m a nurse and I couldn’t even write or administer IVs. Pain kept me awake at night. After my arthoplasty, my pain is gone and I have full use of my thumbs. Great results, and I’m absolutely happy.
S.S.
Had basal bone arthroplasty, (trapezium removed). Recovery was exactly as predicted, almost full use of hand in less than 3 months. Dr. Desai answered my questions completely. He was very attentive to my concerns, fully explained options & what to expect.
D.W.
My husband has had 2 carpal tunnel releases, and I recently had thumb arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction, all performed by Dr Desai. Dr. Desai is a brilliant hand surgeon whom we continue to sing praises about. Dr. Desai is direct and soft spoken. I will recommend him to anyone who needs a hand surgeon.B.S.
I've worked in the medical field for the last 16 years, and when it comes to doctors, I've see the good, the bad and the ugly. I have never done a review for a doctor until now.I recently had a 4.3 x 2.3 cm lipoma removed from my right hand by Dr. Desai. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I had virtually no pain after surgery. He did a great job suturing using a vessel loop technique that he learned from a plastic surgeon. Because of that, my incision is barely visible. On top of that, the staff and everyone involved were amazing! In my professional opinion, Dr. Desai is the best hand surgeon I know. He takes his job very seriously and yet maintains great bed-side manners that a lot of doctors lack. I would refer Dr. Desai to anyone I know. In fact, if anyone in my family needs to have hand surgery, they will be coming to VA to have it done. My family lives in MI and TN. I wouldn't let them go to anyone else. Thank you, Dr. Desai!You're the Best!
K.D.
