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What is wrist tendinitis (tendonitis)?

Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tough tissues of your wrist that connect the muscles of your forearm to bones in your hand. There are about six tendons in your wrist that help you control your wrist, hand and fingers. Irritation and wrist pain can affect any of these tendons if you overuse them or sustain an injury such as a sprain.

One of the most common forms of wrist tendonitis is de Quervain’s tendinitis. It affects the tendons near your thumb. You can also get ulnar tendinitis, which is irritation of the tendons on the pinkie side of your hand.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What causes wrist tendinitis?

Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is typically the result of repetitive stress on the tendons in your wrist. A layer of lubricated tissue, called a tendon sheath, surrounds your tendons. Overuse can irritate the sheath, leading to inflammation and enlargement. Then it’s harder for your tendons to glide smoothly through the sheath, causing compression on your tendon and making wrist and finger movements painful.

What are the symptoms of wrist tendinitis (tendonitis)?

Symptoms of wrist tendinitis may include:

  • Difficulty performing certain movements, such as opening jars or turning doorknobs, or lifting pets, babies or small children.
  • Stiffness, “catching” or a popping sensation when moving your wrist or fingers.
  • Swelling around your wrist or the bases of your fingers.
  • Wrist pain, especially along the side of the wrist near the thumb or pinkie finger.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

How is wrist tendonitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms.

Sometimes, symptoms of wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) are similar to those of other conditions that affect the wrist and fingers, such as:

  • Arthritis causes painful swelling and inflammation in your joints.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of a nerve in your wrist that can lead to numbness and tingling.
  • Trigger finger occurs when inflamed tendons cause your finger to remain stuck in a bent position.
  • Wrist fractures are breaks in the bones of your wrist.

Your healthcare provider may order imaging scans, such as an X-ray, MRI or ultrasound, to rule out these conditions.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

How is wrist tendinitis treated?

Most people find relief from wrist tendon pain with a combination of conservative (nonsurgical) treatments. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

  • Medication
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Rest
  • Splinting

Will I need surgery for wrist tendinitis (tendonitis)?

If your symptoms don’t improve after several months of conservative treatments, you may need surgery for wrist tendinitis (tendonitis). There are several approaches to wrist tendon surgery, but most involve:

  • Cleaning the damaged tissue away from the tendon sheath.
  • Making tiny cuts in the tendon sheath to release your tendon, giving it more room to move.

PREVENTION

How can I prevent wrist tendinitis (tendonitis)?

Tips for preventing wrist tendon pain include:

  • Don’t overwork the tendons in your wrist or hand.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Stretch your wrists before physical activity.
  • Take frequent breaks if you do a lot of typing or other activities that strain your wrists.
  • Use a protective wrist splint or brace if recommended by your healthcare provider.