Wrist Tendonitis: What You Need To Know About Treatment

Wrist tendonitis can make even the simplest daily tasks painful. You could be typing, brushing your teeth, or holding a baby, and suddenly experience swelling or stiffness, making it difficult to move your wrist or hand. This condition affects the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bones in the wrist joint. While it’s common and usually treatable, early recognition and proper care are essential to help the wrist heal and prevent long-term tendon problems.

In this blog post, we'll define wrist tendonitis, also known as wrist tendinitis, and identify its causes and symptoms. We will also explore diagnosis and treatment options, including physiotherapy for wrist pain.

Defining Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis refers to the inflammation or irritation of one or more tendons around the wrist. These tendons play a critical role in enabling smooth hand and wrist movements. When inflamed, the tendon becomes aggravated and causes discomfort, often worsened by repetitive use or certain movements.

Tendonitis in the wrist often stems from repetitive strain or minor injuries rather than a single traumatic incident. The condition can affect one or several tendons at once, and it may also involve painful swelling, stiffness, and a grating or crackling sensation as the tendon moves.

How Is Wrist Tendonitis Different From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Though both conditions involve the wrist and can present similar symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, they affect different structures.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve-related issue that arises when the median nerve gets compressed. Symptoms are often felt on the palm side of the wrist and fingers, and can worsen at night. It may also include weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping.

In contrast, wrist tendonitis is a tendon injury, not nerve-related, caused by inflamed or damaged tissue where the tendons pass through the wrist joints. It is often triggered by overuse or repetitive motions, leading to tendon inflammation.

In Singapore, hand injuries constitute a significant portion of occupational injuries. Many Singaporeans experience persistent pain due to factors such as repetitive movements, poor posture, and prolonged screen time, which can lead to musculoskeletal issues like tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis is typically caused by the following:

• Repetitive movements during work, sports, or hobbies (e.g. typing, playing tennis, or lifting)
• Using heavy machinery that vibrates or requires a forceful grip
• New or intense activity, like playing sports or having a new job
• Poor hand position during daily tasks or prolonged use
• Health conditions such as diabetes or arthritis, which can weaken tendons

It’s common among office workers, athletes, childcare providers (who hold babies for long periods), and those who rely on frequent hand and wrist motions.

Symptoms of Wrist Tendonitis

Common symptoms of wrist tendonitis include:

• Pain or tenderness, especially when moving the wrist or little finger
• Painful swelling and redness along the affected tendon
• Stiffness and difficulty moving the wrist
• Crackling sensation or grating when the tendon moves
• Weak grip or discomfort when holding items

Other symptoms may include mild numbness or tingling if there is nerve damage.

Who Is Prone to Wrist Tendonitis

Anyone who regularly performs repetitive use of the hands and wrists may be at risk. Common risk factors include:

• Office workers, athletes, and factory workers
• Musicians or artists
• People who play racket sports or lift weights
• Childcare providers and cleaners
• People with certain health conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes

Ageing also plays a role, as tendons naturally lose flexibility over time.

Diagnosing Wrist Tendonitis

A healthcare provider or orthopedic surgeon usually begins with a detailed physical exam and patient history. They may check for tenderness, swelling, pain with certain movements, and any crackling sensation during motion.

The doctor may also perform specific tests, like the Finkelstein test for de Quervain's tenosynovitis. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to rule out other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, trigger finger, or wrist fracture. Imaging tests may also be used to assess the extent of tendon injury.

Treatment for Wrist Tendonitis

The primary goal of treatment for wrist tendonitis is to reduce pain, restore movement, and allow the wrist tendons to heal properly. Most people find relief through the following methods.

Rest and Splints

One of the first lines of treatment is rest, avoiding the movements that caused the strain. Wearing a splint or custom splint can keep the wrist joint in a neutral position, giving the inflamed tendon time to recover. People who need to use their hands for multiple hours daily may benefit from wearing a splint intermittently to protect the wrist.

RICE and Medication

The RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—helps relieve painful swelling. Applying an ice pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, OTC drugs or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can assist in controlling pain and swelling. In more severe cases, a doctor might suggest steroid injections to reduce inflammation in the aggravated tendon.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy or occupational therapy plays a key role in recovery. Strengthening forearm muscles and improving flexibility in the joints helps prevent recurrence. Therapists at Phoenix Rehab focus on personalised treatment plans that target the specific tendon problems causing pain. They guide patients through controlled exercises to restore wrist mobility, reduce inflammation, and retrain proper hand position during daily tasks.

Hand therapy is particularly helpful for those recovering from long-standing tendon problems. Hand therapy helps patients return to their usual activities with good ergonomics.

Will You Need Surgery?

Most cases of wrist tendonitis respond well to conservative treatment. However, if symptoms persist after several months, or if there is extensive damaged tissue, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or repair the tendon. Surgery is typically considered a last resort and would be discussed thoroughly with an orthopedic surgeon.

Preventing Wrist Tendonitis

While not all causes can be avoided, there are practical steps to reduce your risk:

• Take regular breaks during tasks that require repetitive movements
• Maintain ergonomic hand and wrist posture, especially when typing
• Stretch and strengthen the forearm and elbow muscles regularly
• Avoid overuse, especially when starting a new sport or activity
• Use proper lifting techniques in work or childcare settings

Early intervention and smart prevention can protect the wrist tendons from future strain.

Conclusion

Wrist tendonitis may seem minor at first, but ignoring it can lead to chronic discomfort and reduced hand function. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms of wrist tendonitis early, and seeking appropriate treatment are key steps in recovery. Whether through rest, splints, physical therapy, or, in rare cases, surgery, the goal is always the same: help your wrist heal and restore movement with minimal pain.