How to Treat Forearm Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when the cords that attach muscles to bones become inflamed. Forearm tendinitis is easily treated in the field with a combination of "HI-RICE" (hydration, ibuprofen, rest, ice, compression, elevation).

Things You'll Need

• First Aid Books
• Bandage Scissors
• First Aid Kits
• Ibuprofen
• Splint
• Athletic Tapes
• Ice Packs
• Ice packs

Instructions

HI-RICE

1. Drink lots of water. Urine should be clear in color and copious in quantity.

2. Take two ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours with the onset of symptoms.

3. Refrain from participating in the activity that precipitated the pain until the swelling has subsided.

4. Tape the wrist to limit movement, allowing the tendons to rest.

Tape the Wrist

1. Assemble a roll of 1- to 2-inch-wide athletic tape and scissors.

2. Cut two pieces of tape that are long enough to wrap around the wrist.

3. Wrap the first piece of tape around the wrist, just below the knobby wrist bone that pokes out below the thumb.

4. Wrap the second piece of tape around the wrist covering the knobby wrist bone and running just below where the wrist bends. This piece of tape should run parallel to the first piece of tape, slightly overlapping it.

5. Cut a third piece of tape that is twice as long as the tape wrapped around the wrist.

6. Wrap this piece of tape diagonally around the palm of the hand and the back of the hand. Begin by placing one end of the tape in the "V" between the thumb and the forefinger; extend the tape diagonally down across the palm of the hand to the heel of the wrist on the pinky side; wrap the remaining tape up around the back of the hand finishing it off at the "V" between the thumb and forefinger.

7. Cut a fourth piece of tape the same length as the third.

8. Wrap the tape horizontally across the palm of the hand so that it overlaps slightly with the third piece of tape, but provides support to the upper portion of the hand. Begin by starting at the "V" between the thumb and forefinger just above the starting point of the last piece of tape; extend the tape across the upper palm of the hand; wrap the tape around the back of the hand so that the ends meet up at the "V" between the thumb and forefinger.

9. Wrap a fifth piece of tape diagonally across the palm of the hand in the opposite direction from the last piece. Start from the base of the pinky; extend the tape across the palm to below the joint of the thumb; wrap the remainder of the tape up around the back of the hand so the ends meet up at the base of the pinky.

10. Wrap a sixth piece of tape at the base of the wrist directly around the place where the wrist bends. This will provide further support along with the pieces that extend across the palm of the hand to the wrist.

11. Wrap two final pieces of tape diagonally across the palm of the hand, extending downward from the "V" between the thumb and forefinger to the heel of the hand (pinky side), and then around the back of the hand until the ends meet. Position the pieces of tape so that they lie adjacent to one another and are wrapped tightly enough to restrict the fingers from bending forward at the joints in the palm.

12. Check the fingers for circulation and sensation - press the fingernail bed and watch for the blood to return immediately to the spot that was pressed after the pressure is released. If the blood is slow to return or the fingers are numb or tingling you will need to loosen the tape to allow greater circulation.

Tips & Warnings

• This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.