Wrist Bursitis

There are numerous things that can cause a wrist injury, resulting in wrist pain and bursitis. Some of them include:

• A direct blow to the bursa can produce inflammation and irritation;
• A fall on the wrist;
• Constant pressure on the bursa from overusing the wrist;
• Repeated stress injuries to the bursa and tendon from using the hand;
• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout complications;
• Infection;
• Swelling in the bursa that results from other wrist injuries.

For some, the problem may be due to a lack of strength in supporting muscles or poor form. The experienced specialists at Redefine Healthcare will use the most advanced diagnostic equipment to identify the exact cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help you regain strength and range of motion.

Because there are numerous problems that can affect the wrist and arm, it is always a good idea to see your doctor when you have wrist pain. Some of the most common wrist bursitis symptoms include:

• Swelling, pain, and tenderness over the joint
• Impaired wrist motion;
• Pain with weight-bearing activities or when writing or typing.

Stiffness in the wrist joints, the formation of a small lump on the top of the wrist, and pain in the hand can also occur as a result of an inflammation of a bursa.

The first line of treatment for bursitis includes avoiding activities that cause pain or stress to the bursa and its associated tendons. Besides that, your doctor can also recommend the following treatment options:

• Immobilizing the affected area with a splint;
• Icing the involved area to reduce inflammation and pain;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• A personalized mobility and strengthening program;
• Drainage of the bursal fluid in severe cases;
• Antibiotic medication in the case of infectious bursitis.

In severe cases when the bursa is inflamed and does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. However, bursitis typically subsides after a week or so if the affected bursa is left to recover.

First, avoid the activities that produce pain or stress. Then try:

• RICE: (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation);
• Splinting to keep an injured area from moving;
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Aspiration of the bursa fluid;
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation in the bursa;
• Taking prescribed antibiotics in the case of infection;
• Surgery to remove the bursa if your condition is severe and recurrent.

Reach out to one of our offices or use our convenient online booking system to learn more about wrist bursitis treatment options offered at Redefine Healthcare.

It is important that once the pain and inflammation are reduced and motion and strength are restored, the patient should gradually return to their daily activities. Instruction on daily activities is helpful to reduce the chance of a re-occurrence of wrist bursitis. In most cases, full wrist bursitis recovery will take from 2-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. As a preventive measure for wrist bursa, individuals should:

• Make modifications or adjustments to the work environment and everyday activities;
• Maintain wrist strength and flexibility to avoid stressing the bursa and tendons;
• Cut down or completely stop repetitive activities whenever possible.