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What Is Tendonitis of the Wrist?

Tendonitis is a common condition that affects tendons – fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones – causing them to become painful and inflamed. This condition, which is often a result of simple overuse, can develop in anywhere in the body, especially in areas that pivot and twist on frequent basis. For instance, tendonitis can develop in a wrist, shoulder, knee, or heel.

What does wrist tendonitis feel like?

When tendonitis develops in a wrist, it can cause a dull, aching pain, as well as difficulty moving the hand. It may hurt to write, type, or pick up small objects.

Tendonitis often goes away on its own, but it can persist for several weeks or months – especially if the tendon is not only inflamed, but also stretched or torn. Minor cases can often be managed with over-the-counter medications and simple stretches, but more severe cases might require clinical treatment.

Tendonitis treatment

At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX, we offer a variety of treatment options for wrist tendonitis. In most cases, we can help our patients manage their pain and regain their range of motion with nonsurgical treatments, such as hand therapy. We also offer corticosteroid injections that can deliver anti-inflammatory medications directly to an affected tendon.

Although tendonitis rarely requires surgical treatment, our board-certified and double-board-certified orthopaedists can surgically remove scar tissue or repair a damaged tendon if the need arises. To help our patients recover as quickly as possible, we perform minimally invasive hand surgery, using advanced techniques designed to preserve muscles, reduce scarring, and limit the risk of complications.

To learn more about the various treatment options that we offer for tendonitis of the wrist, contact us today. Advanced Orthopaedics has several full-service locations throughout greater Houston, Texas, and we can help you schedule an appointment at the one that’s most convenient for you.