Overusing Your Wrist? Beware of Wrist Tendonitis
If youre experiencing wrist or finger painespecially when moving or clenching your handand notice swelling, redness, or severe numbness in the thumb and index finger, these may be signs of wrist tendonitis.
When these symptoms interfere with daily activities, resting your wrist alone may not be enough. Its essential to consult a doctor immediately, as early treatment results in better outcomes and faster recovery. Ignoring the issue could lead to further inflammation or injury in other areas of the wrist.
A Common Condition Anyone Can Develop
Wrist tendonitis affects both men and women who repeatedly use their hands for prolonged periods or in incorrect positions. However, women are generally more susceptible due to household activities such as sweeping, mopping, hand-washing clothes, or wringing garments.
Even with modern appliances, many mothers still hand-wash their childrens clothing, especially areas like sweat-stained collars. Men are also at risk, especially those with occupations requiring extensive hand usesuch as graphic designers, typists, chefs, gamers, and athletes in sports like badminton, tennis, table tennis, or volleyball.
What to Do If You Have Wrist Tendonitis?
The first step is resting the wrist, avoiding bending or twisting motions, and not lifting heavy objects. Tendonitis can be acute or chronic. If rest doesnt helpor the symptoms return upon resuming activitiesits crucial to seek medical treatment.
Relieve Pain, Reduce Inflammation, and Repair Tendons
Once a diagnosis is made, physical therapy combined with integrative medicine is the core treatment approach at Gaikota. Physicians also provide personalized guidance on correct hand posture and self-care wrist exercises for long-term prevention.
Physical Therapy for Tendonitis
Physical therapy is highly effective in:
- Alleviating pain
- Reducing inflammation
- Rehabilitating damaged tendons
- Strengthening wrist muscles
Techniques include:
- Manual therapy by physiotherapists to mobilize joints and relax muscles
- Ultrasound therapy to relieve pain and promote healing of tendon sheaths
- High Power Laser Therapy to stimulate tendon regeneration
- Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS) to improve muscle strength and nerve function
- Nutritional support with appropriate vitamins and diet
Integrative and Regenerative Treatments
These therapies can be used alongside or following physical therapy:
- Prolotherapy Injected to stimulate inflammation and tissue repair at the molecular level
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Patients blood is processed to isolate plasma and concentrated platelets rich in growth factors, then re-injected into the affected tendon, joint, or muscle
- Nucleic Acid Peptide Injections Stimulates cell repair and function
- Cell Therapy Injects cells or cell components to restore degenerated tissues and promote new cell growth
Effective Wrist Exercises to Do at Home
- Flex the wrist downward as far as possible and hold for a 5-count
- Extend the wrist upward and hold for a 5-count
- With the palm up, clench your fist and raise your wrist, holding for 5 seconds
- With the palm down, clench your fist, raise and lower your wrist, holding each for 5 seconds
- Squeeze a stress ball for 5 seconds, then releaserepeat
- Place your hand upright, straighten all fingers, then bend all fingers (except the thumb) down toward the palm and hold for 5 seconds
Take Care of Your Wrists
The wrist is one of the most heavily used joints in the body. It deserves special care. Avoid prolonged repetitive use or staying in the same hand posture for too long. Prevent injury by using proper technique. And most importantly, when you notice any unusual symptoms, stop the activity and seek proper medical care. This will help maintain a pain-free, healthy lifestyle free from wrist tendonitis.
