Wrist tendonitis is inflammation of one of the tendons that cross the wrist. Each tendon can be irritated on its own, so the pain usually sits in one specific place: the pinky side of the back of the wrist (ECU tendonitis), the palm side near the thumb (FCR) or near the pinky (FCU), or the back of the forearm where two groups of tendons cross (intersection syndrome). Repetitive wrist motion under load, a sudden jump in training or a new repetitive task, and poor workstation setup are common causes.
Warning signs
- Pain and tenderness in one specific spot on the wrist
- Pain when you push against resistance in one direction
- Swelling along the tendon
- A creaking feeling or sound with motion
- Morning stiffness that loosens with light activity, or a snapping on the pinky side
Treatment
The exam maps exactly which tendon is tender and which resisted motion reproduces the pain. Most cases respond to resting the aggravating activity, a wrist splint during heavy tasks and at night, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and hand therapy. A targeted corticosteroid injection under ultrasound guidance is an option for moderate or persistent symptoms. Surgery to release or stabilize the tendon is reserved for the uncommon cases that do not respond.
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Questions patients ask
What is wrist tendonitis?
Wrist tendonitis is inflammation of one of the tendons that cross the wrist. Each tendon can be irritated on its own, so the pain usually sits in one specific place: the pinky side of the back of the wrist (ECU tendonitis), the palm side near the thumb (FCR) or near the pinky (FCU), or the back of the forearm where two groups of tendons cross (intersection syndrome). Repetitive wrist motion under load, a sudden jump in training or a new repetitive task, and poor workstation setup are common causes.
What are the warning signs of wrist tendonitis?
Pain and tenderness in one specific spot on the wrist. Pain when you push against resistance in one direction. Swelling along the tendon. A creaking feeling or sound with motion. Morning stiffness that loosens with light activity, or a snapping on the pinky side.
How is wrist tendonitis treated?
The exam maps exactly which tendon is tender and which resisted motion reproduces the pain. Most cases respond to resting the aggravating activity, a wrist splint during heavy tasks and at night, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and hand therapy. A targeted corticosteroid injection under ultrasound guidance is an option for moderate or persistent symptoms. Surgery to release or stabilize the tendon is reserved for the uncommon cases that do not respond.
Who treats wrist tendonitis near Southlake and Dallas-Fort Worth?
Dr. Pedro Loredo, a board-certified hand surgeon (General Surgery, American Board of Surgery; Hand Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery) at Loredo Hand Care Institute, 431 E State Hwy 114, Suite 380, Southlake, TX. New patients are seen within days. Call (972) 939-4974. Se habla español.
En español: ¿Dolor de muñeca en un solo punto cada vez que la mueve?
La tendinitis de muñeca es la inflamación de uno de los tendones que cruzan la muñeca. Cada tendón puede irritarse por separado, así que el dolor suele estar en un lugar específico: el lado del meñique en el dorso de la muñeca (tendinitis del ECU), el lado de la palma cerca del pulgar (FCR) o cerca del meñique (FCU), o el dorso del antebrazo donde se cruzan dos grupos de tendones (síndrome de intersección). Los movimientos repetidos de la muñeca con carga, un aumento brusco del entrenamiento o una nueva tarea repetitiva, y una mala postura en el puesto de trabajo son causas comunes.
Señales de alerta
- Dolor y sensibilidad en un punto específico de la muñeca
- Dolor al hacer fuerza contra resistencia en una dirección
- Hinchazón a lo largo del tendón
- Una sensación o sonido de crujido al moverla
- Rigidez por la mañana que mejora con actividad ligera, o un chasquido del lado del meñique
Tratamiento
En el examen se localiza exactamente qué tendón duele y qué movimiento contra resistencia reproduce el dolor. La mayoría de los casos responde a descansar de la actividad que lo provoca, una férula de muñeca durante tareas pesadas y de noche, hielo, medicamentos antiinflamatorios y terapia de mano. Una inyección de corticosteroide guiada por ultrasonido es una opción para síntomas moderados o persistentes. La cirugía para liberar o estabilizar el tendón se reserva para los casos poco comunes que no responden.
If this sounds like your hand
Call Loredo Hand Care Institute or start your forms online. New patients are seen within days; surgery, when needed, is scheduled at the first available opening. Se habla español.