Tendons are strong, cord-like tissues that connect muscles to bones. They enable your hands and wrists to move smoothly and with strength. When a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, the condition is known as tendonitis (or tendinitis).
This inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, often limiting daily activities like gripping, lifting, or typing.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we treat wrist and hand tendonitis with precision and compassion. Patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas trust our expertise to diagnose the underlying cause of their tendon pain and provide evidence-based treatment that supports long-term recovery.
Tendonitis is the body’s inflammatory response to repetitive strain, injury, or overuse of a tendon. When overworked, microscopic tears form in the tendon fibers, causing swelling and irritation.
This inflammation not only causes pain but also weakens the tendon, making it more vulnerable to future injury if untreated.
In the wrist and hand, tendonitis most commonly affects:
- Flexor tendons: Control finger and thumb bending
- Extensor tendons: Allow fingers and wrist to straighten
- Thumb tendons: Involved in gripping, grasping, and lifting
Because the wrist contains numerous small tendons running through tight spaces, even a small amount of inflammation can create significant discomfort and restrict movement.
Tendonitis is often caused by repetitive motion or sudden strain, but many factors contribute to its development. Understanding these causes can help prevent chronic pain and improve recovery outcomes.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive hand or wrist movement: Activities such as typing, texting, or using hand tools repeatedly strain the tendons.
- Sudden injury: Lifting a heavy object or twisting the wrist awkwardly can overload the tendons.
- Sports-related stress: Tennis, golf, and weightlifting frequently lead to tendon irritation due to repetitive wrist and forearm use.
- Arthritis or joint degeneration: Chronic joint inflammation may extend into the tendons.
- Occupational strain: Jobs that involve assembly work, construction, or computer use are particularly high risk.
- Improper ergonomics: Poor posture or workstation setup can increase wrist strain over time.
- Age-related changes: As we age, tendons lose flexibility and elasticity, making them more susceptible to microtears and inflammation.
As the condition progresses, muscles at the base of the thumb (thenar muscles) may weaken or atrophy, leading to reduced hand function. Recognizing these signs early is key to preventing permanent nerve damage.
The symptoms of tendonitis can vary depending on which tendon is inflamed, but most people experience gradual onset discomfort that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness along the wrist or forearm
- Stiffness that limits range of motion
- Mild to moderate swelling around the affected tendon
- A grating or clicking sensation during movement (known as crepitus)
- Warmth or redness around the area
- Weakness when gripping, lifting, or twisting objects
Pain may occur suddenly after intense activity or develop slowly from repetitive use. Left untreated, chronic tendonitis can lead to tendon degeneration, known as tendinosis, which requires more intensive treatment.
Proper diagnosis is essential to ensure effective recovery.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke performs a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint the exact tendon involved and determine the cause of inflammation.
Diagnosis may include:
- Detailed medical history: Discussion of occupational or sports activities, recent injuries, and symptom progression.
- Physical examination: Palpation to locate tenderness, swelling, or thickening along the tendon.
- Range of motion testing: Assessing how pain changes during specific wrist and hand movements.
- Ultrasound imaging: Detects inflammation, tears, or tendon sheath fluid buildup.
- MRI scan: Used for chronic or severe cases to evaluate tendon structure in greater detail.
By identifying the precise tendon and severity, Dr. Burke can recommend treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore full tendon function. In most cases, tendonitis can be managed without surgery, though chronic or severe cases may require procedural intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Limiting repetitive movement allows inflamed tendons to recover.
- Splinting or bracing: Supports the wrist and reduces stress during healing.
- Cold therapy and anti-inflammatory medication: Helps decrease swelling and pain.
- Ultrasound therapy or iontophoresis: Non-invasive techniques that enhance healing by delivering medication directly into inflamed tissue.
- Focused exercises improve flexibility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and restore range of motion.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections promote healing using the body’s own growth factors.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical methods do not relieve symptoms, Tendon Release Surgery or Tendon Repair may be considered.
This procedure removes inflamed tissue and releases tight areas around the tendon, reducing friction and restoring smooth motion. Dr. Burke uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to support a quicker, safer recovery.
Recovery from tendonitis depends on the severity of inflammation and how early treatment begins. Most patients see significant improvement within a few weeks of rest and therapy, while others may require several months of progressive rehabilitation.
To prevent future episodes:
- Warm up the wrist and hand before repetitive tasks or sports.
- Maintain ergonomic posture at work.
- Take short breaks during prolonged activity.
- Avoid excessive grip pressure or twisting motions.
- Strengthen forearm and wrist muscles regularly.
- Use proper wrist supports or braces during high-risk activity.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our physical therapy team helps patients retrain wrist movement and build endurance safely to prevent recurrence.
Tendonitis may seem like a minor irritation at first, but prolonged pain or swelling should never be ignored.
Seek evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting longer than one to two weeks
- Swelling or stiffness that limits function
- Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
- Pain that interferes with work or sleep
- A snapping or popping sensation during wrist movement
Prompt treatment can prevent chronic tendon damage and restore optimal function faster.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If wrist or hand pain is limiting your work, hobbies, or quality of life, it may be a sign of tendon inflammation that needs professional attention.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in identifying and treating the underlying causes of tendon pain using personalized, evidence-based care. Our mission is to help patients in Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas restore comfort, flexibility, and strength in their hands.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in upper extremity conditions.
