Top of wrist pain — it might not be carpal tunnel syndrome

One of the most common types of pain in the wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a type of inflammation that puts pressure on the nerves running through the carpal tunnel in your wrists. However, while some may assume that their wrist pain is from carpal tunnel syndrome, this is not always the case. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be one of the most common types of wrist pain, but your wrist pain could be from tendinitis.

While both carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis are painful, it’s important for health care providers to make the distinction between them to receive the correct treatment. Tendinitis is a form of inflammation that affects the tendons in your body. Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the medial nerve running through the underside of your wrist, tendinitis usually affects the upper side of the wrist. 

What causes tendinitis in the wrist?

Tendinitis most often develops in the wrist from repetitive use of the wrist that causes strain in the tendons. This kind of strain can lead to the development of inflammation, which can be painful and can also make it difficult for you to use your wrist and hand. 

Activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist usage and can lead to tendinitis in the wrist include:

• Typing.
• Sports, especially those that involve throwing a ball.
• Writing by hand.
• Driving.
• Lifting heavy objects.
• Manual labor.

While most cases of tendinitis are caused by repetitive actions, there are other ways a person could develop this condition. These include injury and preexisting health conditions. People who frequently injure their wrists are more at risk, as well as people with weak joints, those with poor wrist strength, people without much flexibility, and older adults. The risks of developing tendinitis may also increase for those who have conditions like arthritis and diabetes. 

What kind of wrist pain does tendinitis usually cause?

People with tendinitis usually characterize their wrist pain as a dull, throbbing ache; it’s not frequently described as a sharp, stabbing pain. It can cause difficulty using hands, wrists and fingers. When the tendons in the wrist become inflamed, it can be hard to use the hands and fingers connected to the wrist.

How long will I have wrist pain from tendinitis?

Tendinitis most often ends up going away. In very minor cases of wrist tendinitis, you may be able to recover after a period of rest from the activity that is straining your wrist. Depending on how bad your tendinitis is, your wrist pain could last anywhere from several days to several weeks. The amount of time it takes to minimize or heal the pain in the wrist can be decreased with extra care and the right kind of treatment. 

Treating and preventing wrist tendinitis

Many people with wrist tendinitis require assistance from professionals like physical therapists for treatment.

Physical therapists can guide you through a unique series of personalized stretches, exercises, and other techniques to help reduce and prevent your tendinitis pain. They develop customized treatment plans, so your recovery can take place at a pace that is most comfortable and effective for you. The end goal of your treatment will be to reduce pain in the wrist and help you regain your range of motion. 

In addition to treatment, you can take some measures to prevent tendinitis from affecting you. Try gently stretching your hands and wrists before activities and take frequent breaks to rest and stretch. You may also want to wear a splint or brace to support the wrist during strenuous activities. 

Advent Physical Therapy can treat your wrist pain 

Is wrist pain keeping you from your work or your favorite recreational activities? It’s time to get your life back with physical therapy for wrist tendinitis. Contact a physical therapist at Advent Physical Therapy today for more information about wrist pain treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.