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Tried It All? Wrist Tendinitis Surgery Delivers Over 95% Success Rate

Blue Ridge Region / 19 Jan 2025

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EmergeOrtho
by EmergeOrtho
Tried It All? Wrist Tendinitis Surgery Delivers Over 95% Success Rate

Do you feel a dull ache or pain in your wrist when you are typing on your computer? Does your wrist swell after a game of golf? You may be suffering from tendinitis in the wrist. There are a number of at-home treatments you can try to alleviate the discomfort. If those do not work, our orthopedic wrist experts at EmergeOrtho-Blue Ridge Region can make a more precise diagnosis and recommend more advanced medical interventions, such as corticosteroid injections or wrist tendinitis surgery. Read on about wrist tendinitis that may help you get closer to getting relief.

What Is Wrist Tendinitis?

Wrist tendinitis, also known as tenosynovitis, is a common condition that occurs when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed. These tendons connect the muscles in the forearm to the bones in the hand and wrist. When they become irritated, it can cause pain and discomfort, making everyday work and leisure activities difficult.

What Causes Wrist Tendinitis?

Repetitive movements or overuse of the wrist are often the root causes of tendinitis, though there are several other possible causes, including:

  • Sports that require constant gripping motions, such as tennis and golf
  • Extended typing on a computer
  • Aging
  • Poor posture
  • Trauma
  • Certain medical conditions:
    • Gout or sudden, painful swelling in a joint
    • Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
    • Diabetes

Symptoms of Wrist Tendinitis

While symptoms vary from person to person, the most common symptom of wrist tendinitis is pain, which is often felt as a dull ache in the wrist, hand, or forearm. Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the wrist. The pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest.

An orthopedic physical therapist examining a young patient’s wrist.At-Home Conservative Treatments We Recommend

Most cases of wrist tendinitis can be treated with conservative measures at home, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). It is also recommended to avoid activities that cause pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and wear a wrist brace or splint to support the affected area.

When You Should See an Orthopedic Surgeon

If the pain and symptoms of your wrist tendinitis persist despite your at-home treatments, it may be time to seek medical attention. EmergeOrtho orthopedic wrist surgeons have extensive training and experience diagnosing and treating tendinitis with a wide range of nonsurgical and surgical options.

How Do Orthopedists Diagnose Wrist Tendinitis?

At EmergeOrtho, we first complete a physical exam and review of your symptoms. We will check for swelling or tenderness in parts of your forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers. We may also have you perform certain movements, such as forming a fist or rotating your wrist, in an effort to isolate the source of your pain. Each of our regions is fully equipped with state-of-the-art imaging tools, such as digital X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound to further help us precisely determine a wrist tendinitis diagnosis.

Nonsurgical Treatments Doctors Provide

Nonsurgical treatments for wrist tendinitis will vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of the condition and a patient’s overall health, among other factors. Some of the more common conservative treatments we utilize include:

  • Immobilization using splints and braces
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Pain medication

When Is Surgery Needed?

In some severe cases where conservative, nonsurgical treatments did not relieve the pain, our orthopedic wrist surgeons may recommend surgery. The decision to undergo tendinitis surgery will depend on your individual needs and the severity of the condition.

What Is Wrist tendinitis Surgery?

Open tendonitis wrist surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making an incision in the wrist. During this specialized surgery , your surgeon will remove the inflamed or damaged tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to move freely without restriction. The surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Recovery Time From Surgery

Recovery from surgery can take several weeks or months, depending on the extent of the procedure and your overall health. We typically advise that you rest and immobilize the affected wrist for several weeks following surgery. We often integrate our physical therapy team into your treatment plan to help restore strength and mobility as well as speed up your recovery.

If you are experiencing symptoms of wrist tendinitis and at-home treatments have not helped improve your symptoms, you should visit one of our EmergeOrtho-Blue Ridge Region locations to determine if you need therapy, injections, or even wrist tendinitis surgery. Request an appointment and Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better with the help of EmergeOrtho-Blue Ridge Region.

A New Level Of Orthopedic Care Has Emerged

EmergeOrtho-Blue Ridge Region patients benefit from a full range of orthopedic services, including diagnostics, imaging, treatment, physical and occupational therapy, and pain management. From conservative care to surgical interventions, our team of specialists provides expert care and real results. Self-schedule or request your appointment today.

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