Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. In the wrist, tendons attach forearm muscles to bones. With excessive use or injury, the tendon can become damaged, resulting in tendinitis. There are many symptoms that can indicate the presence of tendinitis.
Pain
Tendinitis in the wrist can be painful. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, pain felt in the wrist can travel up the forearm. Pain occurs because the inflamed tendon releases chemical signals that are related to pain. This symptom is first treated conservatively. Applying ice to the affected area can numb the area and reduce pain. A patient should ice the affected tendon for 20 minutes, then remove the ice pack for 20 minutes. This cycle should be repeated as often as possible. In addition, a doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to reduce chemical signals related to pain. A patient should seek immediate medical attention if severe or sudden pain in the wrist is experienced.
Tenderness
The wrist may be tender to the touch, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because touching the inflamed tendon can aggravate it and nearby nerves that are sensitive to pain. Thus, a patient should prevent objects from touching the aggravated wrist. He may need to refrain from wearing a watch or other wrist jewelry until the tendinitis settles down. Ice application and NSAID treatment can help reduce tenderness in the wrist.
Swelling
Swelling is an associated symptom of tendinitis in the wrist, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because the inflamed tendon releases chemical signals that cause inflammation in the affected area. The immune system uses inflammatory chemical signals to fight bacteria or other foreign invaders in the body. In tendinitis, these chemical signals can be released in excess and cause swelling. Reducing swelling can speed recovery from tendinitis. A patient should apply ice to the affected area, elevate the area above the level of the heart and take NSAIDs as directed. If swelling does not subside after a few days, the patient should schedule an appointment with a doctor to rule out other causes of swelling in the wrist.
