A healthy tendon moves unhindered through a protective sheath that allows it to travel around joints and across other tendons. Tendinitis thickens the tendon sheath, restricting the movement of the tendon. The area generally becomes inflamed, making joint movement painful and often 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, an inflammation of the tendon found at the base of the thumb.
Treatment options for wrist tendinitis vary depending on the severity of the case. 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. intermittent icing of the area is also recommended.
If this approach is ineffective another option is to use non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication including over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or prescriptions provided by your doctor. Again, the effect is a reduction of pain and swelling.
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. More space is created for the tendon to move by widening the tunnel and removing inflammatory tissue.
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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.
