Bursitis of the Wrist

As you already know, the wrist is constantly in motion throughout the day. Simple everyday activities such as getting dressed, tying shoes, opening a door and preparing dinner would be very difficult to do without having an ability to move the wrist. A wrist is made up a a collection of eight small bones and many tendons, ligaments and a couple bursae.

The bursae of the hand are found at the distinct synovial sheaths and the main two bursae are the Ulnar and Radial bursa. The Ulnar bursa covers the tendons of the index, middle and ring fingers. The Radial bursa covers the thumb tendon and extends to the wrist crease. Infection in the radial bursa and ulna bursa is known as a "horseshoe abscess".

The extensive use the wrist puts it at a considerable risk for injury; athletes are at an even higher risk - 9% of all athletic injuries involve the wrist. Sports that involve throwing, weight-bearing, twisting and impact.

Symptoms include
1. pain in the wrist especially after the wrist is bent back and weight is puton it
2. A small lump or swelling in the top of the wrist

Causes of wrist injury (and more specifically bursitis of the wrist) can be from sports such as baseball, badminton, and tennis. Repetitive activity (Repetitive Stress Injury) is also a major cause of wrist bursitis.

The U.R.I.C.E. Treatment Philosophy

This treatment philosophy is used to decrease inflammation and relieve pain for bursitis of the wrist.

• Ultrasound around your injury for 5 minutes, 3 times per day. This is best accomplished with a personal, therapeutic ultrasound device.
• Rest and limit your activity.

• Ice your wrist area 2-3 times/day for approximately 15 - 20 minutes at a time to help reduce blood flow and fluid build up. Gel packs are a better option than frozen peas if possible, as they mold to your body shape and are reusable (do not apply ice/gel packs directly on your skin, instead wrap cold compress in a wrap or cloth).
• Compress the area if possible by adding light pressure to minimize swelling (make sure the compress is snug, but not too tight as it could cause numbness, tingling or more pain).
• Elevate your hand above chest level to relieve the pressure from swelling and allow fluid to drain from your injured area. Gentle massage around the area will also help to prevent stiffness.

Wrist Bursitis Surgery

Surgical intervention consists of aspirating the bursa via draining the fluid with a needle. The key is to try and lay off using the wrist with the inflamed bursa, and apply URICE to prevent the need for invasive surgery.

Wrist Bursitis Prevention

Modify your activities that cause bursitis or reduce the pressure and stress on your joints. Wear a sling or brace to support the injured area.

Rest periods, ensure you take breaks when working out or doing repetitive tasks.

Stretch and strengthen! Improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the injured area.

• Wrist Flexion Exercise: Hold a can or hammer handle in your hand with your palm facing up. Bend your wrist upward. Slowly lower the weight and return to the starting position. Do three sets of 10. Gradually increase the weight of the can or weight you are holding.




• Wrist Extension Exercise: Hold a soup can or hammer handle in your hand with your palm facing down. Slowly bend your wrist upward. Slowly lower the weight down into the starting position. Do three sets of 10. Gradually increase the weight of the object you are holding.




• Grip Strengthening: Squeeze a rubber ball and hold for five seconds. Do three sets of 10.