Wrist Tendinitis Treatment
Treatment for wrist tendinitis may include rest, cold compresses, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. A splint may be applied to immobilize the wrist, which allows the tendon to rest. Additional treatment for wrist tendonitis may include physical therapy, oral corticosteroids, and corticosteroid injections.
Treatment for wrist tendinitis may include:
- Rest
- Cold compresses
- Compression dressing:
- Elastic wrap
- Wrist splint for tendinitis
- A sling for comfort:
- Long term immobilization in a sling can lead to frozen shoulder.
- If you wear a shoulder sling for longer than two weeks make sure you perform shoulder range of motion exercises twice a day to avoid frozen shoulder.
- Stretching exercises for wrist tendinitis
- Physical therapy for wrist tendinitis
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen)
- Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
- Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve)
- Narcotic pain medication:
- For moderate to severe pain
- For short term use only
- Oral corticosteroid medications for wrist tendinitis:
- Corticosteroid injections for wrist tendinitis:
- An injection of steroid is administered in the area of the tendon
- Repeated injections can weaken the tendons in the wrist.
- Physical therapy for wrist tendinitis
- Occupational therapy for wrist tendinitis
Wrist Tendinitis Questions For Doctor
The following are some important questions to ask before and after the treatment of wrist tendinitis.
Questions to ask before treatment:
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the risks associated with treatment?
- What are the complications I should watch for?
- How long will I be on medication?
- What are the potential side effects of my medication?
- Does my medication interact with nonprescription medicines or supplements?
- Should I take my medication with food?
Questions to ask after treatment:
- When can I resume my normal activities?
- When can I return to work?
- Do I need a special exercise program?
- Will I need physical therapy?
- Will I need occupational therapy?
- What else can I do to reduce my risk for having wrist tendinitis again?
- How often will I need to see my doctor for checkups?
- What local support and other resources are available?
Wrist Tendinitis Specialist
Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat wrist tendinitis:
Continue to Wrist Tendinitis Home Care
Last Updated: Jun 9, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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