Wrist Tendonitis Symptoms Include:
- Stiffness and restricted mobility at the affected joint
- Muscle weakness
- Pain
- Swelling
- The skin over the affected area may feel warm to the touch.
Common Wrist Tendonitis Causes Include:
- Running on hard surfaces.
- Calcium deposit along the tendon at the site of insertion.
- Overuse of the tendons by repetitive actions.
- Bone spurs on the heels.
- Poor sporting technique, such as holding a tennis racquet or golf club incorrectly.
- Not taking enough time between training sessions to allow full recovery.
- Inappropriate sporting equipment, such as a tennis racquet that's too heavy.
- Being obese, which puts excessive pressure on the tendons of the legs.
- Extreme and regular physical effort, such as an intensive sports training schedule.
- Lifting weights that are too heavy.
- Lifting heavy weights without warming up properly.
- Awkward positions that are maintained for a long time.
- Neglecting to warm up properly prior to sport or exercise.
- Exercising in cold temperatures.
- Any sporting activity that requires lots of jumping and running.
Self-Care Wrist Tendonitis Suggestions Include:
- Stop whatever activity triggered the pain.
- Rest the area - trying to 'work through' the pain will only make your symptoms worse and delay healing.
- Regularly apply ice packs (in the first few days) to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
Seek Medical Advice to Treat Wrist Tendonitis:
Severe or persistent tendonitis should be investigated by your doctor. You may need professional medical care that includes prescription drugs, or else your symptoms may be caused by conditions other than tendonitis. For example, you may be suffering from arthritis, bursitis, infection or a fracture. Generally speaking, if your symptoms haven't improved after one or two weeks of home treatment, or if the pain is severe or debilitating, see your doctor. Most cases of tendonitis recover completely; however, severe untreated tendonitis can lead to rupture of the tendon.
Wrist Tendonitis Diagnosis Methods Include:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- X-rays.
Wrist Tendonitis Treatment Options Include:
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretching exercises
- Weight loss advice, if necessary
- The use of padding, splints or slings to help immobilise the affected joint
- Corticosteroid injections
- Ultrasound treatment
- In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.
Wrist Tendonitis Risk Reduction Strategies Include:
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Lose excess body fat, if necessary.
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Make sure to thoroughly warm up and cool down before and after exercising.
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Include slow, sustained stretches in your exercise routine.
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Make sure you maintain good form when participating in your chosen sport or exercise and resist the urge to push yourself too far too fast.
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Reduce the risk of overtraining by participating in a range of exercises and sports, not just one or two.
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Wear footwear appropriate to your sport.
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Strain on tendons caused by bowed legs or flat feet (for example) can be eased with the use of professionally fitted shoe inserts (orthoses) - see your podiatrist for further information and advice.
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Rearrange your workstation or daily work schedule to avoid long periods of the same manual activity (such as typing on a keyboard or using a hammer).
