What are Inflamed Tendons?

If you find yourself performing activities slower than usual as a result of pain or swelling in one of your joints, you might be suffering from inflamed tendons. A number of different activities can cause tendon inflammation, from typing to sprinting, so it can be fairly difficult to diagnose. At Wrist Supports, we've put together a guide so you know exactly what you're dealing with.

What Are Inflamed Tendons?

Tendons act like pulleys in your body and are thick cords connecting your muscles to your bones to help move your joints. Tendon inflammation is when a tendon or tendons become inflamed and is often referred to as "tendonitis." This can occur in a number of joints and is named according to where the affliction is on your body (e.g. "Achilles tendonitis" or "wrist tendonitis").

Why Am I Suffering from Tendon Inflammation?

Tendonitis can be caused by a number of different issues, but it's most often the result of performing repetitive or sudden movements. As pain is often localised near a joint, it can often be mistaken for arthritis but it does not usually last a long period of time. Other causes include:

• Poor posture
• Joint deformities
• Some types of arthritis (e.g. gout and osteoarthritis)
• Diabetes and other metabolic conditions

What Are the Signs of Inflamed Tendons?

Tendon inflammation can cause a number of different symptoms ranging from aches and pain to burning in the joint. These can make daily activities a chore, particularly if you suffer from inflammation in areas like your wrist or knees, both of which are used frequently. Other signs include:

• Pain worsens when you're active
• Stiffness and swelling in the joint
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Joint feels hot to the touch or looks red
• Lump or knot along the tendon
• Movement causes the tendon to feel like it's crackling

How Do I Treat the Condition?

Having tendonitis doesn't usually warrant medical attention; performing RICE therapy usually helps reduce swelling and support the injury enough for it to heal. RICE therapy can be performed at home and is when you follow the four steps below:

1. Rest: as the condition tends to be caused by overuse, avoiding the activity you think caused the injury can help you heal.
2. Ice: using an ice pack can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Ice therapy (or cryotherapy) also helps numb the affected area, which helps minimise aches and pains.
3. Compression: splints, braces or slings are ideal for immobilising and protecting the area as it heals. The support can also help lessen swelling in the area.
4. Elevation: the injury should be raised when you're sitting or lying down. The area should ideally be raised above the heart to help reduce swelling.

If your symptoms don't improve within a few weeks or you're in a great deal of pain, you should visit your GP for further treatment. To avoid future tendon injuries, it's important that you warm up before and after exercise and take regular breaks when you perform repetitive movements.

Inflamed Tendons at Wrist Supports

If you've experienced any of the above signs, you might be suffering from inflamed tendons. So where do we come in? At Wrist Supports, we've picked a number of braces and supports to help soothe your pain and reduce swelling when you're suffering from tendon inflammation in the wrist. We understand how difficult it can be to go about your daily life when you're experiencing pain or stiffness in the joint. Click the button below to view our range of supports for tendonitis.

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