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Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and Radialis Tendonitis, Sports Medicine

Alicia Chitanand, DO and Kenneth P. Barnes, MD, MSc, CAQSM, FACSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) tendons are located on the radial and ulnar aspects of the wrist, respectively.

  • Tendonitis of these tendons may occur from t...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Pain and possible swelling on volar aspect of wrist

  • Increase in pain with activity and gripping

  • Limited motion

  • Possible crepitus at the site with movement or palpation

  • Possible acute or r...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Initial treatment:

    • Avoiding provocative activities

    • Wrist splint in 25 degrees of palmar flexion 2[C] for 1 to 2 wk or until symptoms improve

    • Icing

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • When introducing a new activity or increasing a current activity, do so slowly to help prevent an overuse injury.

  • Allow time for recovery between practices and competition...

REFERENCES

1
Smith J, Kakar S. Combined flexor carpi radialis tear and flexor carpi radialis brevis tendinopathy identified by ultrasound: a case report. PM R.  2014;6(10):956–959.
2
Rettig AC. Athl...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bencardino JT, Rosenberg ZS. Sports-related injuries of the wrist: an approach to MRI interpretation. Clin Sports Med.  2006;25(3):409–432.

  • Osterman AL, Moskow L, Low DW. Soft-t...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • FCR and FCU tendonitis usually responds to conservative treatment.

  • Steroid/lidocaine injection can be diagnostic as well as therapeutic.

  • Surgery is rarely needed.

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