Lehigh County Health & Medicine Fall 2019 - 28

FEATURE

Wrist
Tendonitis
W
rist tendonitis is a cummulative
condition that develops from
overusing one or more of the
tendons that surround the
wrist joint. Although any tendon surrounding
the wrist can be involved, tendonitis usually
occurs where tendons cross each other near
the wrist bones.

or forceful exertion can cause progressive pain
in the wrist due to tendonitis. Tendonitis may
be seen in people who work on an assembly
line or in a factory.

Wrist tendons are fibrous tissues made of
collagen that connect the muscles in the forearm
to bones in the hand. When functioning properly,
tendons glide easily through smooth sheaths that
are lubricated with synovial fluid. Repetitive
strain or friction can cause inflammation of
a tendon within the sheath, resulting in pain,
swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Injury: Tendon damage can occur suddenly
through an injury or fall.

TENDONITIS CAUSES
Many cases of wrist tendonitis are due to a
repeated motion that causes irritation and pain.
Sports: Athletes playing racquet sports are
at increased risk because the repeated motion
places stress on the wrist. Improper technique
or equipment when playing a sport can also
cause tendonitis symptoms.
Work or hobbies: Jobs that require overhead
reaching, repetitive motion, awkward positions,
28 Lehigh County Health & Medicine | FALL 2019

Age: Older adults may be susceptible to
developing wrist tendonitis as tendons lose
strength and elasticity with age.

Chronic conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis or
other autoimmune diseases can also contribute
to pain in the wrists through direct joint damage
or tendonitis.

Physical therapy - Exercises for wrist tendonitis can reduce pain and improve range of motion

Some
indicators
of wrist
tendonitis
include:
* Pain in the wrist

WRIST TENDONITIS SYMPTOMS
Whether wrist tendonitis develops as a result
of overuse, injury, or inflammation, it can
cause symptoms that are common amongst
all etiologies.

* Stiffness in the wrist joint

Similar treatments exists regardless of whether
wrist tendonitis is caused by degeneration of
the tendon or inflammation.

* Tenderness or numbness

TREATMENTS INCLUDE:
Splinting - Immobilizing the wrist allows
the tendons and surrounding sheath to rest

* Creaking sensation in the tendon

* Reduced range of motion
* Sharp, shooting pain
* Decreased grip strength
* Inflammation or swelling
* Warmth or redness
* Wrist Tendonitis Treatment

Lehigh County Health & Medicine Fall 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Lehigh County Health & Medicine Fall 2019