Any time you see the suffix -itis, it indicates the inflammation of a particular part of the body. For example, appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix, and arthritis is the combination of the Greek word for joint—arthro—and -itis. Having inflammation usually means having pain. In the case of wrist tendonitis, there is pain associated with the inflammation of the tendon or tendons of the wrist, typically due to trauma of some kind or repetitive stress.

In order to treat wrist tendonitis, you must first identify its cause. Once you do, you can then either stop this activity altogether or modify your body mechanics to prevent it from reoccurring. One common example would be switching to an ergonomic keyboard to improve your typing posture. This may reduce stress to your wrist tendons and eliminate the inflammation and its associated pain.

Home treatment for wrist tendonitis may include icing the affected area to reduce inflammation, the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen, or doing exercises to strengthen the affected area to prevent recurrence.

If home treatment doesn’t achieve the desired effect, professional treatment may be required. This may include the use of splints to immobilize the joint, cortisone injections to reduce inflammation, or surgery to permanently repair the joint.

For more information on wrist tendonitis or any other bone, joint, or muscle issue relating to the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, contact the specialists at Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at (530) 587-7461 or make an appointment request.