There are a few wrist injury types that can impact this part of the body, and one of the most common is wrist tendonitis. Spotting the signs of potential wrist tendonitis symptoms as early as possible can be quite helpful for treating this condition. What are some such symptoms to be aware of?
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we’re here to offer the best physical therapy services available around South Jordan, Riverton, and nearby parts of Utah, including for hand and wrist injuries of any kind. Here are some basics on wrist tendonitis and its common causes, plus wrist tendonitis symptoms and how to spot them and manage them – and some words on how PT can be immensely helpful here.
Wrist Tendonitis Basics and Common Causes
What is wrist tendonitis? For those just learning about it, wrist tendonitis is a condition that results from inflammation of the wrist tendons. Tendons are tough and fibrous tissues that connect our muscles to bones, allowing us to move our joints. Inflammation in these tendons can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
The most common causes of wrist tendonitis include overuse or repetitive motion of the wrist, such as typing on a keyboard for extended periods of time. Other potential causes may include injuries or trauma to the wrist, arthritis, and certain medical conditions like diabetes.
Early Warning Signs and Wrist Tendonitis Symptoms
Here are some of the common wrist tendonitis symptoms that often serve as early warning signs:
- Stiffness: You may experience stiffness in your wrist, especially after waking up or after periods of rest.
- Pain: The most common symptom of wrist tendonitis is pain. You may feel a dull ache or sharp pain in the wrist area, especially with movement.
- Swelling: Tenderness and swelling around the affected tendons are also common symptoms of wrist tendonitis.
- Difficulty moving the wrist: As the condition progresses, you may find it difficult to move your wrist due to pain and inflammation in the tendons.
- Tenderness: The affected tendons may feel tender to the touch, and pressure on the area may exacerbate your symptoms.
- Weakness: Wrist tendonitis can also cause weakness in the affected wrist, making it difficult to grip or hold objects.
Self-Care Tips
In some cases, wrist tendonitis can be managed with self-care measures. These tips may help alleviate symptoms and promote healing:
- Rest: It’s important to give your wrist a break from any activities that may be causing or aggravating the tendonitis. Avoid repetitive motions and try to limit the use of your wrist until it has had time to heal.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to your wrist for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compression: Wearing a compression bandage or brace around your wrist can provide support and reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Elevating your wrist above heart level can also help with swelling and pain.
- Bracing: If your wrist pain is caused by a specific activity or movement, wearing a brace or splint can help provide support and limit the motion that aggravates your injury.
How Physical Therapy Works to Prevent Chronic Wrist Pain
In many other cases, though, physical therapy can be immensely helpful for wrist tendonitis treatment and preventing chronic wrist pain. The primary goal of physical therapy is to strengthen the muscles in your wrist, hand, and forearm and improve flexibility through targeted exercises.
Through a series of exercises and stretches, a physical therapist can help you gradually increase your range of motion, reducing stiffness and soreness. They can also teach you proper ergonomic techniques for performing daily tasks that may be exacerbating your condition.
Additionally, physical therapy can address any underlying weaknesses or imbalances in the musculoskeletal system that may be contributing to your wrist pain. By targeting these problem areas with specific exercises, a physical therapist can help prevent future injuries and chronic pain from developing.
Some common treatments used by physical therapists for wrist pain include:
- Therapeutic exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the wrist and surrounding muscles.
- Manual therapy techniques, such as massage or joint mobilization to release tension and improve joint mobility.
- Taping or bracing to support and stabilize the wrist during activities that may aggravate pain.
- Modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
Your physical therapist will also educate you on proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics to reduce strain on your wrist. They may also recommend modifications or adaptive equipment for daily activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist movements.
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we’re here to offer physical therapy solutions for a variety of needs, including hand and wrist injuries. Contact us today for help with wrist tendonitis or any related condition, whether you’re in South Jordan, Riverton, or any nearby area.
