Lehigh County Health & Medicine Winter 2019 - 27

L C M E D S O C .O R G

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,
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.
Age: Older adults may be susceptible to
developing wrist tendonitis as tendons lose
strength and elasticity with age.
Injury: Tendon damage can occur suddenly
through an injury or fall.
Chronic conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis or
other autoimmune diseases can also contribute
to pain in the wrists through direct joint damage
or tendonitis. 
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.
Similar treatments exists regardless of whether
wrist tendonitis is caused by degeneration of
the tendon or inflammation.
TREATMENTS INCLUDE:
Splinting - Immobilizing the wrist allows
the tendons and surrounding sheath to rest

Some
indicators
of wrist
tendonitis
include:
* Pain in the wrist
* Stiffness in the wrist joint
* Reduced range of motion
* Sharp, shooting pain
* Decreased grip strength
* Tenderness or numbness
* Inflammation or swelling
* Warmth or redness
* Creaking sensation in the tendon
* Wrist Tendonitis Treatment

Cortisone injection - If other treatment
methods are not effective, corticosteroids offer
powerful relief; multiple repeated injections
are not recommended, as they may weaken
the wrist tendon
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) - Platelets are
separated from the blood and injected into the
wrist to reduce inflammation
Surgery - For cases resistant to non-operative
treatment, wrist tendonitis surgery may be
necessary to remove inflamed tissue, alleviate
tightness, and release any constricted tendons

WRIST TENDONITIS
Physical therapy - Exercises for wrist tendon- RECOVERY TIME
itis can reduce pain and improve range of motion
Recovery time for wrist tendonitis depends
on the severity of the condition. Generally,
Ice - Cold therapy reduces inflammation new cases of wrist tendonitis require shorter
and stimulates blood flow
duration/less invasive treatments and heal faster
than more established cases. Severe injuries or
Anti-inflammatory drugs - Ibuprofen
neglected cases of wrist tendonitis are often
or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
associated with longer treatment times and a
medication relieves pain and swelling
greater need for surgery.

Mild wrist pain usually responds to splinting,
rest, cold therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs
within a few weeks. More advanced tendonitis
may not respond to conservative treatment, and
surgical recovery can take 3 months or more.
Beginning a physiotherapy program immediately
after surgery will speed up the recovery process.
PREPARING FOR AN APPOINTMENT
On the day of your visit, be prepared to tell
your doctor:
* The location and intensity of your wrist pain
* When the pain began and how long it
has lasted
* Background information such as an injury or
event that may have caused your symptoms
* Previous treatments you have tried such
as ice, splinting, or anti-inflammatory
medication
Bring a list of your current medications
and dosages and any specific questions you
may have. You may want to ask some of the
following questions:
1. What treatment options are available for
my condition?
2. Can we begin with the least invasive
treatment and progress to more involved
procedures later?
3. Do I need surgery? If so, what are the benefits and drawbacks of scheduling surgery
now versus waiting until a future date?
4. What happens during the procedure?
5. What are the side effects of this treatment?
6. Are there any associated risks or
complications?
7. How long will it take for me to heal?
8. Will I need physical therapy? If so, how
long will I have to be in therapy?

Lawrence E. Weiss, M.D.
OAA Orthopaedic Specialists
Phone: 610.973.6200
www.oaaortho.com

WINTER 2019 | Lehigh County Health & Medicine 27
http://www.LCMEDSOC.ORG http://www.oaaortho.com
Lehigh County Health & Medicine Winter 2019

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