Tennis wrist, also known as De Quervain's tenosynovitis, is a common condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It's often caused by repetitive motions, like those involved in tennis, that strain the tendons and their surrounding sheaths. This strain can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the wrist, making it difficult to grip or use the hand.
Symptoms of tennis wrist include:
- Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
- Stiffness in the wrist
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Swelling and redness around the affected tendons
Causes of tennis wrist:
- Repetitive motions: Repeatedly hitting a tennis ball can strain the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Incorrect technique: Using improper form while playing tennis can put additional stress on the wrist.
- Overuse: Playing tennis too often or for too long without proper rest can lead to overuse injuries.
- Age: Older adults are more prone to tennis wrist because their tendons naturally become less flexible with age.
Treatment for tennis wrist typically includes:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Splinting: A wrist splint can help immobilize the wrist and reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the wrist and improve flexibility can help prevent recurrence.
- Steroid injections: In some cases, a steroid injection may be used to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary but may be an option in severe cases.
Prevention of tennis wrist:
- Proper warm-up: Warming up the muscles before playing tennis can help prevent injuries.
- Correct technique: Using proper form while playing tennis can reduce the strain on the wrist.
- Rest and recovery: Allow the wrist to rest after playing tennis to prevent overuse injuries.
- Strengthening exercises: Regular exercises to strengthen the wrist muscles can help prevent tennis wrist.
If you experience any pain or discomfort in your wrist, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
