The ECU tendon starts on the back of the forearm and crosses the wrist joint directly on the side.
This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment of ECU tendon problems.
ECU Tendonitis
ECU tendonitis is the result of inflammation of the ECU tendon.
BSIP / UIG / Getty Images
If symptoms persist after these treatments, acortisone injectionmay be helpful.
It’s held in this position by a ligament.
Touching and moving the joint may also identify the injury.
Sometimes MRI or ultrasound imaging is used to determine the full extent of the injury to the sheath.
Summary
Two causes of ulna tendon pain are ECU tendonitis and ECU tendon subluxation.
These conditions are usually treated with rest, icing, and immobilizing the wrist and tendon.
If those treatments don’t work, a cortisone injection (for tendonitis) or surgery may be considered.
Erpala F, Ozturk T.Snapping of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon in asymptomatic population.BMC Musculoskelet Disord.
2017;10(1):53-61. doi:10.1007%2Fs12178-017-9384-9
Medline Plus.Tendon vs. ligament.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Anatomy 101: wrist tendons.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Tendons.
Adams J, Habbu R.Tendinopathies of the hand and wrist.J Am Acad Orthop Surg.
2015;23(12):741-750. doi:10.5435/jaaos-d-14-00216
NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing bursitis & tendonitis in adults.
Erpala F, Ozturk T.Snapping of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon in asymptomatic population.BMC Musculoskelet Disord.
2023;15(2):e35322.
