Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis, or tenosynovitis, is an inflammation of the tendons on the thumb sides of your wrist joint. Tenosynovitis may involve more than one tendon. These tendons anchor the muscles that lift the forearm and extend the wrist and hand. Partial tears of these tendons result in pain, especially when lifting or grasping objects. Pain is usually located in the front of the wrist and worsens with activity. Other symptoms include sensitivity to touch, limited mobility, and wrist weakness. Because X-rays are usually normal, diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is made by examining your elbow and is also based on your medical history.

There are many causes of tendonitis of the wrist, including:

• Biomechanical problems
• Arm injury
• Overuse/repetitive motion (such as throwing, catching, bowling, etc.)
• Starting a new exercise/activity
• Inflammatory arthritis

Treatment of lateral epicondylitis may include the following:

• Anti inflammatory medication
• Icing of the affected area
• Cortisone injection
• Elbow brace
• Physical Therapy and/or exercises
• Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition involving numbness, pain, tingling and instability in the wrist, hand and fingers. It occurs when pressure is put on a nerve in the wrist called the median nerve, which controls motor function in the wrist and hand. This pressure, called impingement, is most often caused by bone spurs, rheumatoid arthritis, repetitive use or injury.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed with tests such as an electromyogram or a nerve conduction study. It can often be effectively treated with nonsurgical therapies such as wrist splints, anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids. In cases where pain and numbness persist, surgery (usually endoscopic surgery) may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.

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