Tendonitis

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.

Tendonitis can affect multiple locations in the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow.

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 TENDONITIS?

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?

I am here to help! I can often diagnose the problem in one visit, and get you started with a treatment plan. I offer a wide variety of both nonoperative and operative treatment options.

Call Hand Institute of Charleston today for a clinic or telehealth appointment! 854-423-4263

This article is not a substitute for in-person medical advice or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.