At what point does an inflammation of the wrist become chronic? | Inflammation in the wrist

At what point does an inflammation of the wrist become chronic?

Acute is a disease that has just begun and lasts for a limited period of time. A chronic disease exists permanently or over a longer period of time. An inflammation of the wrist is usually referred to as chronic inflammation if the symptoms last for several months or longer. However, one must also think of a chronification of the disease if symptoms occur repeatedly over months and years, even if there is a symptom-free interval in between. Chronic inflammation of the wrist is often accompanied by structural changes in the bursae, tendons and/or tendon sheaths and is then usually no longer completely healed.

Which doctor treats inflammation of the wrist?

In the case of simple tendosynovitis due to overloading of the wrist, the orthopedic surgeon is usually responsible. They can prescribe bandages and splints as well as physiotherapy. Those who frequently suffer from inflammation of the wrist should consult a plastic surgeon specializing in hand surgery. They can rule out other causes of the inflammation and offer more intensive treatment options. Hand surgeons can also assess whether the inflammation has become chronic and/or whether wrist surgery is necessary.

Duration

An inflammation in the wrist can be very protracted. Especially if it is caused by overstraining the wrist. With immobilization and subsequent careful habituation to the strain, one should expect a duration of several weeks to months. However, caution is advised even after this, as such inflammation often recurs. Especially people who are susceptible to such an inflammation in the wrist and who spend a lot of time writing or working on the computer are often plagued by inflammation in the wrist throughout their entire working life.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the cause of the inflammation. With early and appropriate therapy, the chances of recovery from tendosynovitis, bursitis and tendonitis are quite high. Subsequently, one should then take care to avoid the factors that caused the inflammation of the wrist as far as possible.

Conversely, if insufficient therapy is given, the inflammation of the tendon sheath can develop into a chronic inflammation, which can then last for several months. A doctor should therefore be consulted at an early stage. Acute infectious arthritis also usually heals without consequences.However, the inflammatory process can also lead to the destruction of the joint and, as a result, to a permanent malposition. If the inflammation of the wrist is already in the chronic stage, for example in the context of an existing basic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis, healing and complete regeneration are usually no longer possible. In this case, the aim is to prevent further progression of the inflammation and joint destruction and to reduce pain and inflammation.