What You Need to Know About Wrist Bursitis Treatment
Bursitis in the wrist may be less common than bursitis in other parts of the body, such as the shoulder, hip, elbow and knee, but it can still cause considerable discomfort and pain. At Twin Boro in NJ, we offer wrist bursitis treatment specifically to address a patient’s inflammation, pain, swelling, range of motion and strength.
Discover more about wrist bursitis, common causes, symptoms and the best wrist bursitis treatment options to help you reduce swelling and pain.
Why Does Wrist Bursitis Occur?
Our wrists are used constantly every day. Whether it’s performing daily self care such as brushing your teeth or hair, typing for work or being active with exercise or sports, the wrist is used extensively, which puts it at a higher risk for injury, such as wrist bursitis.
Bursitis is the inflammation of the slippery cushions between a tendon and the bone below, called bursa. The bursa is comprised of lubricating synovial fluid within a thin sac to decrease friction as a tendon move over a bone. We have over 150 bursae throughout our bodies. Bursitis is when the bursa becomes inflamed. Impaired movement, localized swelling and pain are signs of bursitis. It may even present swelling that appears like a lump on the wrist.
Generally, this condition is associated with aging, but athletes and young professionals can suffer as well. Similar to tendinitis, wrist bursitis can be a result of repetitive movements, such as long hours at the keyboard, activities such as throwing, golfing or painting as well as an injury from a sudden sports impact or fall. For some, the problem may stem from a lack of strength in supporting muscles or improper form. It can also be due to prior medical complications such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, gout or osteoarthritis.
The good news is that when addressed properly, wrist bursitis treatment can help patients to regain strength and range of motion.
Wrist Bursitis Treatment Options
As with most types of injuries, early diagnosis and proper treatment for wrist bursitis give you a better chance of recovering at a quicker rate. After a comprehensive evaluation, treatments will largely depend on the severity of your condition, but may include any of the following hand therapy options:
- Analysis of range of motion
- Cold compress treatments to reduce initial swelling
- Dry or moist heat therapy
- Ultrasound (sound wave) therapy
- Manual therapy techniques (hands-on soft tissue or joint mobilization)
- A personalized mobility and strengthening program
- Education regarding appropriate activities to allow for healing to occur
For wrist bursitis injuries that stem from repetitive strain, we can also help you retrain your muscles so that you learn to use them properly and prevent future injuries. Simple tips on technique can help to decrease the likelihood of bursitis recurrences in the future.
Get Wrist Bursitis Treatment at Twin Boro Physical Therapy in New Jersey
If you’re experiencing tenderness, stiffness, swelling, redness or pain in the wrist, and suspect a wrist bursitis, don’t hesitate to seek the treatment. Each of our 23 Twin Boro Physical Therapy locations have knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to help you through your wrist bursitis treatment and speed up the healing process.
