Tendonitis of the Hand & Wrist

Tendonitis is a condition caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the strong fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. In the hand and wrist, tendonitis commonly develops due to repetitive movement, overuse or strain placed on the tendons during everyday activities, work or sport.

The condition can affect any tendon in the hand, wrist or forearm, including those responsible for finger, thumb and wrist movement. Tendonitis may develop gradually over time and can become increasingly painful if the affected tendon is repeatedly irritated without adequate rest or treatment.

Common forms of hand and wrist tendonitis include:

wrist tendonitis
thumb tendonitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
flexor tendon inflammation
extensor tendon irritation

Without treatment, persistent inflammation can limit hand function, grip strength and range of movement.

What Are the Symptoms of Tendonitis?

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with continued activity or repetitive hand use.

Pain

A dull aching pain is one of the most common symptoms, particularly when moving the affected tendon or gripping objects.

Pain may occur:

during activity
after repetitive use
when lifting or twisting
during thumb or wrist movement

Swelling and Tenderness

The affected tendon may feel swollen, tender or sensitive to touch.

Stiffness

Patients may notice reduced flexibility or stiffness in the hand or wrist, particularly after periods of rest.

Weakness

Tendon irritation can sometimes reduce grip strength or make certain hand movements uncomfortable.

Creaking or Grating Sensation

Some patients experience a creaking, clicking or grating sensation when moving the affected tendon due to inflammation around the tendon sheath.

Common Causes of Hand & Wrist Tendonitis

Tendonitis can develop from:

repetitive hand movements
prolonged computer use
gripping tools or equipment
sports activities
lifting or manual work
overuse injuries

In some cases, inflammatory conditions or underlying arthritis may also contribute to tendon irritation.

When Should You See a Hand Specialist?

If pain, swelling or stiffness in the hand or wrist persists despite rest, specialist assessment can help identify the underlying cause and prevent longer-term tendon damage.

Early treatment can help reduce inflammation, improve movement and support a faster recovery.

At Midland Hand Clinic, we provide expert diagnosis and personalised treatment for tendonitis and other hand, wrist and tendon-related conditions.

How Is Tendonitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination.

Your specialist will assess:

areas of tenderness
swelling
hand and wrist movement
grip strength
symptoms during movement

In some cases, ultrasound imaging may be recommended to confirm tendon inflammation and rule out other causes of pain such as arthritis, tendon tears or nerve conditions.

How Is Tendonitis Treated?

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain and allowing the tendon to heal properly.

The most appropriate treatment depends on:

the tendon affected
severity of symptoms
duration of inflammation
daily activity demands

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Rest & Activity Modification

Reducing activities that aggravate the tendon is often one of the most important early steps in recovery.

Splinting

A splint or wrist support may help reduce strain on the tendon and allow inflammation to settle.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Medication may be recommended to help manage pain and reduce swelling.

Steroid Injections

Targeted corticosteroid injections can provide significant relief in some cases by reducing inflammation around the tendon sheath.

Hand Therapy & Rehabilitation

Specific exercises and rehabilitation programmes may help:

improve flexibility
strengthen supporting muscles
restore movement
reduce recurrence risk

Recovery From Tendonitis

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of inflammation and how early treatment begins.

Most patients improve with conservative treatment, though ongoing overuse without adequate recovery may prolong symptoms.

In some cases, rehabilitation and gradual return to activity are important to prevent recurrence.

Expert Tendonitis Treatment in Birmingham & Solihull

If you are experiencing persistent hand, thumb or wrist pain, specialist assessment can help identify the source of irritation and guide the most effective treatment plan.

Mr G Shyamalan is an experienced consultant hand surgeon specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of tendonitis and other hand, wrist and tendon conditions across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Warwickshire.

Contact Midland Hand Clinic today to arrange your private consultation and take the next step toward pain relief and improved hand function.

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