Pain and Discomfort

• Treatment is necessary when the pain makes normal tasks difficult to complete. Most treatments are geared towards reducing the discomfort associated with swelling of the tendon sheath.
  
  

Rest

• Rest is the first line of treatment. A small splint may be necessary to keep the tendon immobilized. Sometimes rest is all that is needed to resolve the tendonitis.
  
  

Medication

• Anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the swelling. A short course of nonprescription oral medication can improve the condition. Sometimes an anti-inflammatory injection placed directly in the tendon is necessary.
  
  

Surgery

• Sometimes surgery is necessary when non-invasive techniques have not worked. The surgeon will create an opening in the covering to allow more room for the painful tendon.
  
  

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy can be beneficial for thumb tendonitis. This type of therapy can resolve the problem, or may be used after surgery. Therapy is designed to help the tendon function properly, and to assist in correct healing after surgery.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Thumb tendonitis is usually caused by repetitive motion. Prevent reoccurrence by learning to correct the alignment of the wrist and hand during activities that stress this tendon.