Hand Tendonitis
Quick Facts About Hand Tendonitis
Since the hand is one of our most commonly used body parts, it’s no wonder that it can be subjected to so many medical conditions, one of the most common being hand tendonitis. Hands can easily get overused and stressed which can lead to certain medical conditions. Sometimes, however, the individual has little choice but to continue using their hands despite the pain.
In short, hand tendonitis is when the hand tendon swells. It can cause discomfort, irritation, pain, and even swelling in the hands. It can also make using the hands very difficult and painful.
For the most part, hand tendonitis is caused by overuse of the hands. It is frequently seen in individuals that use their hands for their jobs, such as factory workers and builders. It can also be seen in individuals that play musical instruments that require repetitive hand movements. Overusing the hands can cause irritation and inflammation which can then lead to pain and swelling.
Sometimes, individuals can be diagnosed with hand tendonitis due to injuries and fractures that they sustained to their hands. This can afflict people who work out a lot or use their hands a lot in sports, such as tennis, golf, and baseball.
Symptoms of this condition can include burning, tightness, aching, and eventually pain up the arm as it becomes more progressed. Although the pain can start in the hands, over time it can radiate up the forearms and even into the biceps and elbows. This occurs because the hands are connected to other parts of the body as well. The pain is often worse at night although it can be felt all day.
If you perform regular movements with your hands that are repetitive then you are at risk for developing this condition. It’s important, therefore, to take preventive measures against developing hand tendonitis. Taking regular breaks while you are working can help relax your hands and give them a break. You should also practice stretching your hands and fingers on a regular basis.
If you play a musical instrument, then make sure that you stretch your hands and fingers well before you begin playing, as well as in between during your breaks. In addition, if you work with your hands then it’s important to stop every hour or so and give your hands a break so that they have time to recuperate.
In order to get hand tendonitis diagnosed, a visit to the doctor is required. A Finkelstein’s Test can be performed which can reveal whether or not the patient does indeed have the condition and then the proper treatment can be discussed.
It is not difficult to treat this condition, although if left alone it can continue to cause pain and discomfort. Common treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, splints, avoiding use of that hand for a short period of time, and cold compresses for the pain and swelling. Over the counter medication can be suggested, as well as prescription medication if the doctor thinks that you might require something a bit stronger. You might also be told to avoid using that hand for awhile, or at least to avoid using the repetitive motion that caused the tendonitis in the first place. Physical therapy can be utilized as well, in which the individual can learn some basic hand exercises which can help strengthen the tendons and alleviate the pain. In some scenarios surgery is required, but this is very rare.
If you notice sudden sharp pain in your hand after exercising or playing sports and it doesn’t go away soon then you should pay a visit to your doctor to make sure that you didn’t do something else to it. Breaks and fractures can also be treated, but they need to be dealt with promptly.