How to deal with wrist tendinitis

If tendinitis is not due to trauma, inflammation can be reduced with the use first of NSAIDs, and then of self-heating bands.

Sometimes tendinitis can be caused by a gesture repeated for too long at work, for example maneuvering a machine or moving weights, the use of the computer, tablet or smartphone for many hours in a row, the unconscious maintenance of an improper position of the arm or hand while sleeping, a wrist sprain caused by a sudden movement or accidental trauma.

They are all possible causes of inflammation of the wrist and hand tendons very common in everyday life, especially from 35-40 years, age at which the joints and the structures that support and move them begin to age, resulting less elastic and more sensitive to stresses of all kinds. Other times the causes are related to chronic inflammatory diseases or to the presence of an initial osteoarthritis of the wrist and hand joints.

The characteristic symptoms

The symptoms of tendinitis are rather easy to recognize, the pathology in fact manifests itself with persistent pain that is exacerbated with movement. Usually the pain is referred to the wrist and hand, if the inflammation is very intense the pain can also affect the fingers.

The effect can be objectively disabling, especially if the inflamed tendon is the one at the base of the thumb because, lacking the possibility of grasping, tightening and twisting, most of the common manual activities are compromised.

In addition to pain, slight swelling may be present, due to simultaneous inflammation of the joint capsule and/or supporting tissues. In general, this manifestation is observed especially when the disorder arises as a result of a sudden movement or trauma.

When inflammation also affects the sheath that covers the tendon, we speak more properly of “tenositis”.

How to reduce pain and inflammation

If wrist pain has appeared after an accidental trauma and is very intense, before undertaking any type of treatment (except for the immediate application of ice) the doctor should be consulted, who, if he deems it necessary, will prescribe the execution of an x-ray (to exclude possible fractures) or an ultrasound (to evaluate the state of the tendons, ligaments and joint capsules).

When tendinitis is not due to trauma, but to incorrect posture or frequent and repeated movements, it is good to apply ice anyway and keep the wrist and hand at rest. In addition, to relieve pain and inflammation, you can apply locally gels or creams based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or take the same active ingredients orally.

NSAID therapy, even in self-medication, can be effective to counteract mild-moderate tendon inflammation and the pain that accompanies it, especially in the case of acute tendinopathies and not associated with degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories is recommended for about a week: therapy can be prolonged if the doctor deems it appropriate.

In the first 2-3 days, when the level of inflammation is maximum, to avoid moving the wrist and hand it is advisable to wear a rigid brace, to be chosen with the help of the doctor in relation to the specific disorder present. The brace should be kept for the time strictly necessary, that is, during the acute phase of pain, then it is good to resume movement to promote the recovery of mobility of the wrist and hand.

Heat also helps

After 4-5 days, when the acute phase has passed, heat therapy with heat can also be useful. To do this, you can apply a warm cloth or immerse your hand and wrist in hot water for 5-10 minutes, several times a day.

A more practical and effective alternative is to apply a self-heating adhesive band on the wrist, to be left in place for up to 8 hours. In this period, the heat generated inside the fascia and constantly transmitted to the tissues will exert an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, also promoting the “healing” of the tendon and supporting joint tissues.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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