If you’re experiencing pain or tingling in your wrists, hands and fingers, you may think you have carpal tunnel syndrome. In reality, you could be suffering from an entirely different condition known as wrist tendonitis. Advanced Radiology treats patients with tendonitis of the wrist and other joints using the ultrasonic knife therapy Tenex TX1.
So, what’s the difference between carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis?
Causes
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown, but many physicians believe that repetitive motions like typing or texting, injury, and pregnancy are all contributors to the condition because they lead to swelling that presses on the median nerve that runs through the wrist and hand.
Some medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism and acromegaly, a condition in which the pituitary gland produces an overabundance of growth hormone, are also thought to increase the chance of developing the condition. These conditions cause nerve entrapment, a situation in which direct pressure is exerted on the median nerve, causing pain and numbness.
Wrist Tendonitis: Age, repetitive motion, overuse and misuse are all causes of tendonitis. When tendons are always at work, they can become inflamed and develop small tears. Continuing to use inflamed tendons means that these tiny tears develop into large tears and become more painful.
Symptoms
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain on the underside of the wrist and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome also experience numbness and itchiness in their affected wrist.
Wrist Tendonitis: Wrist tendonitis symptoms include pain in the wrist and tingling and weakness in nearby muscles. Another sign that you are suffering from wrist tendonitis is numbness in your pinky finger, because the median nerve does not reach the pinky.
Treatments
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include rest and wearing a supportive wrist brace to help decrease pressure on the median nerve. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can also help relieve pain and swelling.
Wrist Tendonitis: For mild cases of tendonitis, treatments include steroids, pain relievers and NSAIDs. Other treatments include physical therapy and wearing a supportive brace.
Severe cases of tendonitis require surgical interventions to remove damaged tissue. Surgical removal of damaged tissue means several weeks to months of rest and limited activity, but surgery using the Tenex TX1 ultrasonic knife means faster recovery, less pain and smaller incisions than traditional tendonitis surgery.
Are you suffering from tendonitis? Call Advanced Radiology today at 855-201-1519 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the Tenex TX1 procedure.