At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division, we excel in the diagnosis and treatment of hand and wrist tendonitis. Our team of surgeons, physical therapists, and orthopedists offer comprehensive care across our Bethesda, Rockville, and Germantown locations. We are committed to delivering personalized treatment plans that address both the immediate symptoms and the root causes of tendonitis, ensuring our patients can achieve the best possible quality of life.

What Is Hand & Wrist Tendonitis?

Tendons attach muscle to bone. They usually have sheath around them, which is naturally lubricated and helps them freely glide to enable smooth movement. Repetitive use or injury to a tendon or a tendon sheath may cause inflammation, which is called tendonitis.

Hand and wrist tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that enable hand and wrist movements, leading to pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility. This condition can arise from repetitive motions, overuse, or direct injury, impacting various tendons in the hand and wrist area.

Some of the common symptoms of hand & wrist tendonitis include:

Persistent pain in the hand or wrist
Swelling or tenderness along a tendon
Difficulty moving the affected fingers or wrist
Sensation of cracking or popping when moving the hand or wrist
Weakness in the hand or grip

Conditions That Worsen Hand & Wrist Tendonitis

Factors like repetitive stress, previous injuries, and certain systemic health conditions can exacerbate tendonitis. It's crucial to identify and mitigate these factors through a holistic treatment approach that not only addresses the tendonitis itself but also any contributing conditions.

Repetitive stress, previous injuries, and systemic health conditions significantly influence the severity and progression of hand and wrist tendonitis. Repetitive activities or motions can strain the tendons, leading to increased inflammation and pain. Similarly, injuries that have not fully healed might result in weakened tendon structures, making them more susceptible to inflammation.

Treatment Options for Hand & Wrist Tendonitis

Our treatment strategy for hand and wrist tendonitis encompasses a range of options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. This includes:

Physical Therapy

Beyond basic exercises, physical therapy may include specialized techniques to improve joint mobility, manual therapy to decrease tendon tension, and targeted exercises to correct biomechanical imbalances causing stress on the tendons.

Medication

For managing hand and wrist tendonitis, medications typically include NSAIDs for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. In more severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, either through oral administration or direct injection into the affected area. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, allowing for improved mobility and function. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the appropriate medication plan tailored to your specific condition.

Surgical Interventions

For persistent cases, surgical options like tendon decompression, which relieves pressure on the tendons to reduce pain and improve function, can be considered. This is typically reserved for situations where conservative measures have failed to provide adequate relief.

Peter G. Fitzgibbons, MD
Board-Certified Surgeon & Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist