Wrist supports or braces are the tools to keep your wrist in a neutral position, helping bring relief to wrist pain and discomfort. They also prevent repetitive movements, helping with conditions like wrist tendonitis and arthritis. Some wrist braces or supports are specifically designed to reduce compression of the median never, which can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Experts also suggest wearing wrist support for tendinitis to promote the recovery process.
Wrist Tendonitis: Overview
The inflammation of the wrist tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bones in your hands is referred to as wrist tendonitis. Tendons are thick fibrous cords that help connect muscles to bones. Inflammation to the tendons may happen when a sudden injury or repetitive movements cause the tendons to rub against the bones. There are about six tendons in the wrist that help you control the movements of your wrists, hands, and fingers. Wrist tendonitis can be different, and the most common form is de Quervain’s tendinitis which affects the tendons near your thumb. Ulnar tendinitis is another common injury, which irritates the tendons on the pinkie side of your hand. Studies have shown that wrist tendinitis is rare. It commonly occurs in about 0.5% of men and 1.3% of women.
Wrist Tendonitis: Main Causes
Wrist tendinitis is very common in a few specific tendons. It most commonly occurs due to the anatomical structure and some specific activities of tendons. The following are the major causes of developing wrist tendinitis:
Trauma: A sudden injury resulting from a direct fall, colliding, and accidental conditions can cause wrist tendinitis.
Repetitive Physical Activity: People whose occupations and hobbies involve repetitive movements or stress can develop wrist tendinitis.
Sports: Some sports that require repetitive movements of wrists, such as badminton, hockey, squash, golf, and more, can also cause wrist tendinitis.
As well as this, some risk factors, including age, poor posture, poorly aligned joints, and diabetes, can also cause or contribute to wrist tendinitis.
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Wrist Tendonitis: Major Symptoms
When you feel any of the below-given symptoms, you may have developed the wrist tendinitis:
- Wrist pain, especially to the tendons near the thumb and pinkie finger.
- Swelling or inflammation around your wrists
- Warmth and redness
- Difficulty in performing certain movements, including turning doorknobs, opening jars, lifting pets, and other sporting activities.
- Grinding sensation when moving wrists
- Stiffness or popping sensation while moving your wrists, hands, or fingers.
Wrist Support For Tendonitis
Experts suggest wearing wrist support because of several reasons. Wrist supports do not only help you play safely but also reduce the chances of a wrist injury. They also help you improve the recovery process following a wrist injury or surgery.
Types Of Wrist Support For Tendonitis
Wrist supports are of different kinds according to the individuals’ needs. We have discussed the possible types of wrist braces with their uses and benefits:
Material: Wrists supports are made up of different materials according to your needs. Some people are allergic to particular materials. This is the reason that these are designed with different materials. Usually, wrist supports are designed with neoprene, bamboo charcoal, silicone gel, and nylon mesh. Neoprene supports resisting stretching and staying breathable during workout activities. As well as this, they also prevent moisture buildup. Wrist supports made of bamboo charcoal are soft and flexible, helping provide compression and mild support. Wrist supports with silicone gel are slim, latex-free, waterproof, and light-weighted supports, making them easy to wear during any activity. Wrist supports of nylon mesh are light-weighted and breathable, helping provide long-term comfort.
Type: You can find two main types of wrist supports, including wrap and compression sleeves.Wraps are easy to take on and off and ideal for swollen wrists. Compression wrist support is specifically designed to provide mild and targeted compression, helping improve blood flow and speed up recovery.
Level Of Support: Wrist supports are also categorized into three levels of supports, including mild support, moderate support, and maximum support. You need to consult your GP or professional trainers to know the best support level for you.
Benefits Of Wearing Wrist Support For Tendonitis
1. Stabilization and Immobilization: Wrist supports help stabilize the wrists, helping avoid injuries during physical activities. As well as this, they also help immobilize the injured wrists, helping control further damage.
2. They Put Extra Weight Off: Wrists supports also help put the extra weight off the wrists, allowing you to perform well during sports and keep the inured areas stress-free.
3. Help Reduce Pain And Swelling: Wrists supports are also considered the best tools to reduce pain and swelling following a wrist injury.
4. Avoid Repetitive Stress: Wrist supports keep your wrist aligned and stable, helping avoid repetitive stress and movements.
5. Post-surgical Healing: Wrist supports also provide needed compression and support to the injured areas, helping promote healing after surgery.
Is There Any Side Effect Of Wrist Support For Tendonitis?
The primary function of wrist supports is to provide support and relief from discomfort. But, when used inappropriately, they may leave some possible side effects:
1. Not A Cure: Wrist support help relieve pain and swelling, but they do not provide a complete cure from a wrist injury, like wrist tendinitis.
2. Uncomfortable: Some people feel wrist supports bulky and heavyweight, making them feel uncomfortable.
3. Skin Irritations: Wearing wrist supports with the wrong size and type can make you feel irritations and redness on the skin.
4. Swelling: The primary function of wearing wrist supports is to relieve pain and swelling, but some people may also feel swelling while wearing wrist supports.
5. Muscle Atrophy: Wearing wrist supports too long can also cause muscle atrophy (a condition of thinning or loss of muscle tissues).
Buy The Best Wrist Tendonitis
To conclude our discussion, we can say that wearing wrist supports for tendinitis is worthwhile because they are considered effective in reducing the chances of wrist injuries during sports and other workout activities. But, one who is going to wear wrist support must also take care of several side effects discussed above. If you are going to wear the wrong sized wrist supports or wear them when not necessary, they can be more harmful than good. 360 relief provides you with the best wrist support for tendinitis, with a wide range of sizes and colours, to help manage your wrist pain.