Wrist Tendon Injury Diagnosis

Tendinitis and repetitive stress injuries are the most common injuries and afflictions of tendons in the wrist. The doctor will record your symptoms, examine your hand and possibly run tests to make a correct diagnosis and properly treat your wrist.

Tendinitis

• Tendinitis occurs when tendons connecting muscle to bone in the wrist become inflamed or irritated. You will feel pain and have mild swelling just outside the joint next to the irritated tendon. This may occur due to an impact on the wrist or it may slowly develop if the wrist is continually used improperly.

Repetitive Stress Injury

• Repetitive stress injuries occur when certain continually-repeated motions inflame the wrist or worsen an existing injury. You will experience pain, swelling and a stiffness in or inability to use the wrist.

When To See The Doctor

• Some tendon injuries can be cured through procedures used at home, such as immobilization of the wrist and resting, icing and elevating the area. But if pain and swelling continue or worsen for more than three days, you need to see your doctor.

Diagnosis

• The doctor will look at your medical history to determine that your tendon problem is not arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. She will physically examine your hand to rule out a ligament injury. She may use an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to further diagnose a problem in the tendons or joints.

Treatment

• Immobilization and over-the-counter pain medication are the best ways to treat a tendon problem in the wrist. If the doctor determines you are developing carpal tunnel syndrome, she may inject your wrist with corticosteroids to reduce swelling and relieve pressure within the wrist. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary. However, the best way to permanently fix a tendon problem before it becomes serious is to find out what movement is inflaming your tendons and develop a more ergonomic way to use your wrist.