What Does Tendonitis Feel Like In The Wrist?

Treatment For Wrist Pain Long Island

Have you ever had a friend that played sports and every time they bent their knee, it clicked? What about their ankle? If so, this is one of the signs of tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, and you can get it in almost every part of your body. One of the more common places for tendonitis is the wrist, which can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome. Having tendonitis of the wrist does not always require medical attention and can be treated at home. However, there is a treatment for wrist pain on Long Island. Contact East End OT to learn more about how we can help today!

Pain

Unlike other conditions, wrist tendonitis does not present a sharp, stabbing pain that you immediately feel. It presents itself as a dull, annoying pain similar to an ache or soreness when pressure is applied to the area. When you wake up, your wrist will feel stiff, and you will notice a decrease in your range of motion; you may also experience a grinding sensation or hear a creaking noise. In many cases, you can experience weakness in performing routine activities, such as pinching and typing. There may also be warmth and redness along with swelling. There is rarely a cause for serious concern with tendonitis, and it can easily be treated at home.

Causes

The most common causes of tendonitis in the wrist come from performing repetitive tasks such as:

  • Playing sports
  • Using a computer
  • Writing

However, there are other less common causes such as:

  • Sudden injury
  • Poorly positioned joints or bones
  • Weak wrist posture
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Age and flexibility

Treatment

Frequently, tendonitis of the wrist can be treated at home with some simple techniques. Gentle stretching of the wrist can help ease the discomfort it is causing and take breaks while doing repetitive tasks. Hot and cold compression is another technique to ease the discomfort further and reduce swelling by putting an ice pack on the area and then warming it up again. You can also take acetaminophen to ease the pain, as well as investing in a splint or compression sleeve to keep everything in place. In more severe cases where medical attention is needed, and the home remedies are not providing any relief, your doctor may refer you to an occupational therapist to help.

Prevention

Tendonitis in the wrist can be prevented with a few easy tasks.

  1. Avoid repetitive activities. By making the same motion over and over again, you increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis. Change your movements throughout the day to give your wrists a break from doing the same thing and avoid cramping. 
  2. Take regular breaks. If doing repetitive activities is unavoidable, take frequent breaks to avoid constant stress on your muscles and tendons. This will prolong the development of tendonitis, and it will be easier for you to complete your task.
  3. Wear support braces. Wearing a brace can help keep the tendons and muscles in place to lessen the risk of injury. Many athletes will wear ankle braces and elbow compression sleeves to support their joints and prevent further injuries to the area. This is effective, and investing in one can significantly help keep your tendonitis under control and prevent other issues.
  4. Stretch. Stretching between your tasks and before you start is a great way to prevent tendonitis and other issues. Stretching helps warm up your muscles, prepare them for the day, and increase flexibility to perform these repetitive movements. 

East End OT – Treatment For Wrist Pain Long Island

Having tendonitis of the wrist does not always require medical attention and can be treated at home. However, there is a treatment for wrist pain on Long Island. Contact East End OT to learn more about how we can help today!


Contact Us:

[contact-form-7 id=”af1e8e6″ title=”Contact form 1″]
East End Occupational Therapy