Wrist Tendinitis Specialist

What is wrist tendinitis?

Wrist tendinitis, also known as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendons in your wrist that connect to your thumb become irritated and inflamed. Your tendons are thick cords of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones and support movement. 

When you have tendinitis in your wrist, you may notice that your wrist is swollen or makes a creaking sound when you flex it. Wrist tendinitis also causes a dull, aching pain. However, the most disruptive symptom is hand weakness that can interfere with movements, including:

• Typing
• Using a computer mouse
• Opening doors and jars
• Turning keys
• Gripping
• Pinching

Your symptoms may be worse in the morning and subside throughout the day as your tendons warm up.

What causes wrist tendinitis?

Wrist tendinitis, like tendinitis elsewhere in your body, is often triggered by motion. Repetitive motions such as performing manual tasks and playing sports can irritate your tendons. Over time, the stress on your tendons causes irritation and inflammation, which leads to uncomfortable and disruptive wrist tendinitis symptoms. 

You could also develop wrist tendinitis after an injury like falling and catching yourself on outstretched hands. 

Your risk of wrist tendinitis increases as you age and if you have conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. 

How is wrist tendinitis treated?

After performing a comprehensive exam and using imaging tests like X-rays to confirm your diagnosis, the team at Central Jersey Hand Surgery offers customized treatment plans based on the severity of your wrist tendinitis. 

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend conservative therapies such as rest, activity modification, thumb splints, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or cortisone injections. Traditional treatments effectively relieve wrist tendinitis in around 60% of patients. 

However, if noninvasive treatments don’t effectively relieve your pain, the team offers surgical procedures to release and decompress your tendons. Decompression allows your tendons to glide freely and without pain. Wrist tendinitis decompression surgery only takes 20 minutes and is performed with a local anesthetic and light sedation. 

After your surgery, your doctor applies a bandage. They give you personalized aftercare instructions, and a friend or family member can drive you home.

If you’re troubled by wrist tendinitis, call Central Jersey Hand Surgery or make an appointment online today for expert assessment and treatment.