Forum Topic

Tendonitis - Any solutions please?

Diagnosis: Tendonitis in the right hand/wristDoes anyone have advice for effective treatment of this very painful condition please?

Jean F Fernandez ● 6150d8 Comments

Is this similar to carpal tunnel syndrome? If so, as I have had this and yes it is painful, then I had to wear a wrist brace which semi immobilises the wrist and alleviates some of the pressure.

J Smith ● 6150d

Forgot to ad - taking ibuprofen also helps as it reduces swelling.

J Smith ● 6150d

Thanks for replying. Carpal tunnel syndrome actually affects the thumb and three fingers (I did suffer from this in the past) whereas Tendonitis affects the thumb and wrist making movement very painful. An x-ray showed no problem with the bones in the wrist.My GP recommended Ibuprofen which I take when the pain is very bad, although I am not keen on taking these tablets.I have tried wearing a wrist brace and various other supports but the problem persists. Unfortunately I am right handed and it is making day to day tasks very difficult.

Jean F Fernandez ● 6150d

I had carpal tunnel syndrome for over 2 years and it affected my whole hand and half way up my arm. The wrist brace is uncomfortable but does help. I eventually had the op where they released the pressure and touch wood I haven't had any problems. I had a quick look on the internet and I think the operation for Carpal tunnel is very similar for the one for tendonitis. The tablets do help but like you I didn't like taking them very much.Perhaps you should ask your GP if you qualify for the operation.

J Smith ● 6150d

Steriod injection, I've just had one in my achilles tendon, it's helped a lot..You do need to find out the underlying cause though, could be gout, flat footedness or a myriad other things.I'm not a doctor, but I'd recommend you see one.

Paul James ● 6150d

I had a steroid injection for my wrist - it worked for a while and then the pain and discomfort came back. As suggested see what the doctor recommends.

J Smith ● 6150d

I have already been to see 2 doctors at the surgery.The first GP sent me for an x-ray on the wrist - result was normal. He prescribed  a gel to help relieve the pain.My own GP just told me to rest my hand (!) wear the wrist support which I bought from the chemist, and prescribed Ibuprofen tablets. He told me to come back in 1 month if I am still having problems and he will consider recommending physiotherapy, but warned me there is a lengthy waiting list, indicating that this would be a waste of time.I have heard some horror stories of operations which have worsened the situation and would not wish to go down that route.My husband had steroid injections for back pain - they only helped temporarily.

Jean F Fernandez ● 6149d

Well the steroid injection I had did help but not for long. I, too was told to go back after a month or so if the pain was still there which I eventually did after about 6 months or so. I wore the wrist barce - not very pretty to look at, but they do help to a certain degree.I had the oepration as I was sick and tired of not being able to pick things up, the pain and the lack of movement. The whole procedure took about 20 mins under a local anaesthetic. I had about a month or so where I couldn't drive, a few days of not being able to get dressed without help, but it was worth it as my hand is a lot better, not 100% but 97%.I heard horror stories about the operation as well and can say that the 20 or so people who had their hands operated on at the same time as me did not have any complications.THe only drawback I do have since the op is that I can't carry heavy bags of shopping anymore.

J Smith ● 6149d