In short,
- Rest, ice, and medications provide initial relief from hand tendinitis pain.
- Physical therapy and ergonomic modifications address underlying causes and prevent recurrence.
- Early treatment prevents chronic pain and preserves hand function for daily activities.
Understanding Tendinitis of the Hand
Tendinitis of the hand develops when tendons connecting muscles to bones in your hand or wrist become inflamed from overuse, repetitive motions, or injury. These fibrous cords transmit force from forearm muscles to enable finger and wrist movement.
When tendons experience excessive stress, microscopic tears develop within the tissue, triggering inflammation that causes the characteristic pain and limited function associated with tendinitis.
Common Types of Hand Tendinitis
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects tendons on the thumb side of your wrist, causing pain with gripping, pinching, or twisting motions.
- Trigger finger occurs when tendon inflammation prevents smooth gliding through the tendon sheath, creating a catching or locking sensation.
- Extensor tendinitis affects tendons on the back of the hand that straighten fingers, causing pain with gripping or finger extension.
What Causes Hand Tendinitis?
Repetitive hand movements create cumulative stress on tendons. Activities like prolonged typing, assembly line work, playing musical instruments, or sports involving repetitive gripping gradually overload tendons beyond their capacity to heal between uses. This chronic stress leads to inflammation and pain.
Underlying medical conditions increase tendinitis risk. Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation affecting joints and surrounding tendons. Diabetes impairs tendon healing and increases injury susceptibility. Thyroid disorders, gout, and other inflammatory conditions also elevate risk.
Age-related changes make tendons less elastic and more prone to injury. Previous hand or wrist injuries can weaken structures and predispose to tendinitis development. Poor ergonomics during work or activities place excessive stress on hands and wrists.
Recognizing Tendinitis Symptoms
Pain represents the primary symptom, ranging from dull aching to sharp sensations. Pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. The affected area feels tender to touch. Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity is common.
Swelling may be visible around the affected tendon. Limited range of motion makes gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks difficult. Some people experience a creaking or crackling sensation during movement. While tendinitis causes localized pain along tendons, if your finger is tingling, this suggests possible nerve involvement requiring separate evaluation.
Tendinitis differs from joint pain in the hands, which originates within the joint itself rather than the tendons surrounding it, though both conditions can coexist.
Immediate Relief Strategies
Rest from aggravating activities allows inflamed tendons to heal. Avoid movements that trigger pain while maintaining a gentle range of motion to prevent stiffness. Ice application for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily reduces inflammation and numbs pain. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth rather than directly on the skin.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen or naproxen, help reduce pain and swelling when used as directed. Topical anti-inflammatory creams or gels applied directly to the affected area provide localized relief.
Splinting and Immobilization
Splints or braces hold the affected joint in a neutral position, reducing tendon stress and allowing healing. Wearing splints during activities that trigger symptoms or at night prevents unconscious movements that aggravate inflammation.
Your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate splints for your specific condition.
Physical Therapy Interventions
Physical therapy addresses both immediate symptoms and underlying factors contributing to tendinitis. Therapists use manual techniques, including soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, to reduce pain and improve tissue mobility. Therapeutic modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may accelerate healing.
Progressive exercise programs strengthen muscles supporting affected tendons, improving their ability to handle stress. Stretching exercises maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Eccentric strengthening, which involves controlled tendon lengthening under load, promotes healing and prevents recurrence.
Corticosteroid Injections
When conservative measures provide insufficient relief, corticosteroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the inflamed tendon area. These injections can provide significant relief lasting weeks to months.
However, repeated injections carry risks, including tendon weakening, so they’re used judiciously as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Surgical intervention becomes appropriate when symptoms persist despite several months of conservative treatment, tendon damage is severe, or mechanical problems like trigger finger cause persistent locking.
Procedures may involve releasing constricted tendon sheaths, removing inflamed tissue, or repairing damaged tendons. Recovery requires several weeks of protection followed by progressive rehabilitation.
Ergonomic Modifications
Proper workstation setup prevents tendinitis development and supports healing. Position keyboards at elbow height with wrists in neutral alignment. Use ergonomic tools with padded grips that reduce hand strain. Adjust chair height so feet rest flat on the floor with thighs parallel to the ground.
Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks, ideally five minutes every hour, to stretch and rest your hands. Alternate tasks when possible to vary hand positions and reduce cumulative stress on specific tendons.
Preventive Exercises
Regular exercises maintain tendon health and prevents injury. Wrist flexion and extension stretches improve flexibility. Hold your arm straight with palm facing down, use the opposite hand to gently pull fingers toward you, then repeat with palm facing up. Hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
Finger extension exercises against rubber band resistance balance flexor and extensor strength. Perform exercises daily, particularly before and after activities involving repetitive hand use.
Lifestyle Modifications
Managing underlying health conditions helps prevent tendinitis. Control blood sugar if diabetic, as elevated glucose impairs tendon healing. Address inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis through appropriate medical management. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce overall inflammation and joint stress.
Proper technique during activities prevents excessive tendon stress. Learn correct form for sports or occupational tasks. Gradually increase activity intensity rather than sudden increases that overwhelm tendons’ adaptive capacity.
Expected Recovery Timeline
Recovery from tendinitis varies based on severity and treatment approach.
- Mild cases may improve within two to four weeks with rest and conservative treatment.
- Moderate tendinitis typically requires six to eight weeks of consistent treatment.
- Severe or chronic cases may need several months of comprehensive management, including physical therapy.
Returning to activities too quickly risks re-injury and chronic symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on activity progression to ensure complete healing.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
Consult a hand specialist if pain persists beyond two weeks despite rest and home treatment, symptoms worsen or interfere with daily activities, you experience severe pain or significant swelling, or you develop weakness affecting grip strength. Early professional intervention prevents acute tendinitis from becoming a chronic, difficult-to-treat condition.
Expert Care for Tendinitis of the Hand in Baltimore
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our specialized hand surgeons provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for all types of hand tendinitis. We offer conservative management strategies, advanced injection techniques, and, when necessary, expert surgical intervention. Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore full hand function so you can return to the activities you need and enjoy.
Call Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder today at (410) 296-6232 or schedule your consultation online and begin your recovery.
