Introduction
Tendons are flexible and strong tissues in our body that prevent muscle injury while performing high-intensity movements or workouts. They are pretty much close to a rope. When this rope becomes overused, it leads to Tendinitis.
The tendons or ropes of the hand are -
- Flexor digitorum profundus
- Flexor digitorum superficialis
- Extensor digitorum communis
- Extensor digiti minimi
- Extensor indicis proprius
Each of them have a certain activity assigned.
Tendinitis Symptoms
Let's discuss the symptoms of tendonitis.
- Throbbing pain while moving the hand
- Sense of grating or grinding in the hand
- Hand looks swollen due to fluid accumulation
Tendinitis Causes
Let's discuss about the causes of tendinitis of hand.
- Frequent exhaustive movements of hand while performing
- any sport such as gymnastics or basketball.
- Previous hand injuries that are not healed adequately
- Smoking
- Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Doing intense workout involving the hand without a proper warm up that includes stretching.
Tendinitis Treatments
- Firstly, always consult a doctor before starting any medications and applying splints as they will be customised according to the patient.
- At home, for first aid you can follow the RICE technique
- Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate to reduce the symptoms of inflammation such swelling, redness and pain.
- Physical therapy will be offered further and must be practised after learning from a professional physiotherapist.
Tendinitis Prevention
Let's discuss the prevention of tendonitis.
- Avoid sudden repetitive movements of the hand without prior warm up.
- Incase of any hand injury, follow your doctors orders and do not strain the hand.
- Avoid smoking
- Wear the hand splints as prescribed by your doctor to prevent further aggravation.
Conclusion
Tendon inflammation or tendinitis, happens when tendons become irritated and inflamed, often because of overuse, injury, or strain, resulting in pain and tenderness, especially near joints.
Hand tendonitis is a preventable condition and can be managed well by an orthopaedician, all you have to do is follow the above mentioned tips.
The natural remedies for tendonitis inflammation include focusing on the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), along with beneficial supplements such as turmeric and ginger, and physical therapy.
Tendonitis recovery time differs, but mild cases get healed within 2-3 weeks with rest and conservative treatments, while chronic or severe conditions take many weeks to months.
