Best Treatment for Wrist Tendonitis: RICE Plus Progressive Loading
What is the best thing for wrist tendonitis?
The Quick Answer
**RICE protocol combined with relative rest** is most effective: Rest from aggravating activities (not complete immobilization), Ice 15–20 minutes 3–4x daily, Compression with elastic wrap, Elevation above heart level. After 48–72 hours, begin gentle pain-free range of motion. At day 7, introduce eccentric strengthening exercises. Splinting during provocative activities provides adjunctive support but shouldn't replace progressive loading.
Why We Ask This
Patients focus exclusively on passive treatments (ice, splints) while neglecting active rehabilitation—delaying recovery because tendons require controlled mechanical loading to stimulate collagen realignment and strength restoration beyond the initial inflammatory phase.
The Practical Science
Tendon healing progresses through inflammatory (days 1–7), proliferative (weeks 2–6), and remodeling (months 2–6) phases. Treatment must evolve accordingly: RICE during inflammation, controlled motion during proliferation, progressive eccentric loading during remodeling—static protection alone fails to address later-phase requirements.
In Clinical Practice
A patient with wrist extensor tendonitis rests from tennis for 5 days while icing, then begins pain-free wrist circles at day 6, progressing to eccentric wrist extension with light resistance at day 10—returning to modified play at week 4 with 90% symptom resolution versus 8+ weeks with splint-only approach.
References & Context
Tendinitis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic"To treat tendinitis at home, use rest, ice, compression and elevation. This treatment can help speed recovery and help prevent more problems. Rest. Avoid doing things that increase the pain or swelling.Nov 11, 2022"