What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is a very broad term referring to inflammation of one or more tendons. This commonly occurs in several locations throughout the hand and wrist.
Causes
Tendonitis is often seen in the setting of overuse injuries, and with repetitive motion activities, but can have a wide variety of causes. Sometimes, there is no obvious direct cause.
- Overuse or repetitive activities, work or sports injuries
- Swelling due to pregnancy, or repetitive lifting of newborns
- Inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid, gout)
- Direct injury to the tendons, lacerations
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition can include:
- Pain with use, often right over the affected tendon
- Clicking, popping, swelling
Is There a Test For Tendon Injuries?
First, we discuss your symptoms and medical history, followed by an examination of your hand and wrist. Usually this is enough to pinpoint cases of tendonitis. Sometimes an x-ray or MRI is needed to determine the source of pain.
Treatment
We typically start with nonoperative treatment options including:
- Activity modification recommendations
- Splinting
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroid injections
Operative Treatment:
In cases that are severe, long-standing, or have failed nonoperative
treatment, a minor surgical procedure can often significantly improve symptoms. There are several options regarding the type of anesthesia and procedure, but the most common technique involves mild IV sedation, local numbing at the site of pain, then
a small incision around the affected tendon to relieve pressure on the tendon and remove any inflamed tissue.
Ready to Confirm a Diagnosis and Fix the Problem or Just Want to Learn More?
Our Board-Certified Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeons are here to help! They can often diagnose the problem in one visit, and get you started with a treatment plan ranging from simple splinting and hand therapy to injections or surgical options when
needed.
Call today for a clinic or telehealth appointment! 854-423-4263