What is the extensor carpi ulnaris tendinitis? It is inflammation of one of the strong muscles on the pinky side (ulnar side), and at back (posterior) of the wrist. The muscle goes over to a tendon as it reaches the wrist, and it is the tendon part of it that actually gets inflamed.
(The muscle is the red part (meaty part) and the tendon is the end of the muscle that terminates in the white sinew.)
Why does this tendon get inflammation? In general there are two big reasons: The one is overuse as we see in e.g. tennis players, and the other is secondary to structural problems in and around the wrist joint, e.g TFCC tears, dislocation of the tendon from its groove in the long bone (ulna) at the wrist.
How do we treat this condition? Overuse problem needs a multidisciplinary approach. Besides anti-inflammatory treatment, ice and rest the physiotherapists also have anti-inflammatory modalities that can assist. Once the inflammation is under control the biocinethetist must evaluate the sportsperson to identify the reason for the unnecessary strain on the muscle and ways in which the sporting activities can be modified to prevent recurrence.
It is very important to make sure if there is a structural problem in and around the joint. A thorough clinical examination will give a good indication as to what the problem might be. Very often a MRI might be required if the sonar and x-rays cannot confirm the clinical findings. According to the MRI diagnosis the structural problem will need to be fixed or else the tendinitis will not clear up.
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