ORTHOPAEDICS INTERNATIONAL
Wrist Tendinitis (Tendonitis): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is Wrist Tendinitis?
Wrist tendons connect the forearm muscles to the bones in your hand, enabling movement and stability of the wrist, hand, and fingers. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed—usually due to repetitive use—the condition is known as wrist tendinitis.
The most common type is de Quervain’s tendinitis, which affects the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist. Another common type is ulnar tendinitis, which involves the tendons on the little finger side.
Who Gets Wrist Tendinitis?
Wrist tendinitis commonly affects people over 40, especially those engaged in repetitive wrist motions. However, it can also occur in younger individuals such as:
- Parents and childcare providers who frequently carry young children.
- Professionals such as bakers, massage therapists, machinery operators, and frequent typists.
- Athletes in sports that place stress on the wrists, like tennis or weightlifting.
Symptoms and Causes
Causes
Wrist tendinitis is typically caused by:
- Repetitive stress or overuse
- Swelling and irritation of the tendon sheath
- Compression of the tendon, which increases inflammation and pain
Symptoms
- Pain when lifting, gripping, or turning the wrist
- Stiffness or a “clicking” sensation
- Swelling around the wrist
- Pain near the thumb or little finger side
Diagnosis
A doctor will usually diagnose wrist tendinitis through:
- History and physical examination: Assessing swelling, tenderness, and pain through specific wrist movements.
- Ruling out similar conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, if further evaluation is needed.
Treatment Options
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections.
- Hand Therapy: Guided stretching, wrist splints, and activity modification.
- Rest: Temporarily avoid activities that worsen symptoms.
- Shock Wave Therapy: Stimulates healing in affected tendons.
- PRP Injections: Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood to promote recovery.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be considered if conservative methods fail after several months. It may involve:
- Removal of inflamed tissue
- Releasing the tendon sheath to relieve pressure
Most procedures are outpatient and done under local anaesthesia, with stitches removed after two weeks.
Surgical Risks
Though uncommon, surgery may carry risks such as:
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Keloid formation
- Delayed healing
- Tendon displacement (subluxation)
Prevention Tips
- Avoid overstraining the wrist with repetitive motions
- Perform regular wrist stretches before and after activities
- Take breaks during long periods of typing or manual work
Summary
Wrist tendinitis is highly treatable, and most individuals recover fully with proper care. Timely intervention, rest, and hand therapy can restore function and prevent recurrence.
Don’t ignore persistent wrist pain—early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of wrist tendinitis, schedule a consultation with our specialist Dr Chan Beng Kuen today to receive a tailored treatment plan and get back to doing what you love—pain-free.
