How to Treat Tenosynovitis With a Wrist Brace

Tenosynovitis is a condition in which the tendon sheaths and tendons running along the inside of the wrist become inflamed. This may prompt swelling, pain and even limitation of the movement of your hand and wrist. As you try to make a fist, hold something in your hand or turn your wrist, the pain will usually hit you, causing you to release your hand back to its natural position. When you are suffering from tenosynovitis, your doctor will most likely prescribe the use of a wrist brace to aid in the healing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spica splint
• Ice pack
• Anti-inflammatory medication

1. Consult with your doctor. To ensure that proper diagnosis and treatment are given, talk to your doctor about whether you are actually suffering from tenosynovitis.

2. Start wearing a "spica splint" on the affected hand. A spica splint is a wrist brace that not only immobilizes the wrist but the thumb as well. This type of brace is created to allow you to wear it during work and rest.

3. Ice the affected hand and wrist two to three times a day to reduce any pain and swelling. Icing should be done in intervals of between 20 and 30 minutes only. Simply remove the spica splint for the periods during which you ice your wrist and thumb.

4. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or aspirin, to reduce the pain and swelling caused by tenosynovitis, in conjunction with wearing the spica splint to immobilize your wrist and thumb.

5. Elevate the affected wrist whenever possible, along with wearing the spica splint, which will aid in the healing process.

6. Give yourself two to four weeks of rest, if possible, but follow up with a medical professional on your rate of recovery.

Tips & Warnings

• If your tenosynovitis condition does not improve, you may want to talk to your doctor about corticosteroid injections as an additional mode of care.
• Icing your wrist for periods longer than 20 to 30 minutes may exacerbate your condition.

References

• Mayo Clinic (2008). De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. Retrieved May 10, 2009.

Resources

• Additional Information on Tenosynovitis
• Repetitive Motion Injuries

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