Tendinitis in the hand is a condition caused by overuse and stress. It causes inflammation, pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and wrists. Movement can cause pain and limit your range of motion. You may also hear a crackling sound when you move your hand. You will need to visit your doctor to get a definitive diagnosis of tendinitis before you can begin treatment. After you receive your diagnosis, there are steps you can take to treat this condition that will relieve your symptoms.
Instructions
1. Visit your doctor. When you experience pain, numbness and tingling in your hand or wrist, your doctor will need to diagnosis the cause. He will give you a physical examination and perhaps recommend an X-ray. Make sure you tell your doctor if you spend lots of time on the computer, or do work that requires repetitive hand movements. These factors can contribute to tendinitis in the hand and help your doctor make a diagnosis.
2. Ask your doctor about pain relief medication. Tendinitis can be very painful and limit your ability to perform your daily activities. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications that decrease swelling of the tendons and offer pain relief. He may also prescribe narcotic pain medication that will not help with the inflammation but will work well for pain. Never drive when taking prescription pain relievers, as they can cause sleepiness and confusion.
3. Inquire about steroid injections. Corticosteroid injections can dramatically relieve the pain and swelling of tendinitis in the hand. Steroid injections often work better than oral pain relievers, and may be a preferred choice for individuals who cannot tolerate the side effects from pain relievers such as upset stomach and drowsiness.
4. Immobilize your hand by using a hand splint or orthopedic immobilizer. By resting your hand with a hand brace or immobilizer, it will not be subject to repetitive movements and will get a chance to heal. Using a splint supports surrounding hand and wrist structures to provide stability and comfort.
5. Ice your hand. Ice helps decrease inflammation. Use an ice pack or ice bag for 15-20 minutes at least three times per day. Do not let ice come in direct contact with your skin, because this can damage your tissue. Ask your doctor if you should use heat instead of ice on the area.
Tips Warnings
You can purchase a hand splint or immobilizer at a medical supply store, or your doctor may fit you for one. Make sure the splint or brace feels comfortable before you use it.
If you experience severe pain in your hand or wrist, or if your hands tingle and become numb, seek medical attention immediately. Severe pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities can signal a neurological or cardiac condition.
Tags: treat, tendinitis, hand, your doctor, your hand, hand wrist, numbness tingling, pain numbness, pain numbness tingling, pain relievers
