Wrist tendonitis often results from repetitive motions or injuries. It may cause weakness and dull pain when performing certain activities, but treatments like stretching and compression can help.
Whenever you see the suffix “itis,” it means “inflammation.” Wrist tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is inflammation of the tendons in the wrist.
Tendons are thick, fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone. Inflammation can result when a sudden injury causes a sprain or repetitive motions cause the tendon to rub against the bone.
Wrist tendonitis is not necessarily confined to a single tendon or part of the wrist. There are several tendons that surround the wrist joint that can become injured or inflamed.
Together, these tendons are responsible for the complex and subtle movements we use in the wrist, hands, and fingers.
If you have wrist tendonitis, you typically experience pain and stiffness in the wrist, especially after you wake up in the morning. The area usually also feels tender and sore when you put pressure on it.
Mild swelling may be visible. In addition, the inflamed tendon may make a creaking noise when you move it.
The pain of wrist tendonitis is not particularly severe. It’s often described as more of a dull, passive ache than a sharp, intense pain.
Wrist tendonitis can decrease the range of motion in your hand, and you may experience weakness when performing routine motions, such as:
- gripping
- pinching
- throwing
- typing
- using a computer mouse
- using a computer game controller
Tendonitis vs. arthritis vs. carpal tunnel syndrome
You may also experience these symptoms with other conditions affecting the wrists, such as carpal or cubital tunnel syndromes or arthritis, but they have different causes and may cause additional symptoms.
Carpel and cubital tunnel syndromes may cause numbness, while arthritis may cause joint stiffness and swelling.
Other similarities and differences can include:
| Tendonitis | Arthritis | Carpal tunnel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affects | Tendons | Joints | Nerve |
| Pain | Dull, may be tender to the touch | Dull | Dull to sharp |
| Stiffness | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weakness | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Numbness or tingling | No | No | Yes |
| Difficulty gripping objects | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Inflammation or swelling | Yes | Yes | Sometimes |
| Symptoms are usually worse | In the morning or after prolonged use | In the morning | At night or after prolonged use |
When the wrist tendons are working properly, they slide in a sheath lined with synovial fluid to create frictionless movement. Injury or inflammation of the tendon can cause the sheath to thicken, enlarging it and restricting fluidity of movement.
The most common cause of this inflammation is usually a simple, repetitive motion that puts stress on the tendon over time.
Experts often describe wrist tendonitis as a repetitive strain injury because it’s frequently triggered by common everyday activities such as:
- playing sports
- using a computer
- writing
- working physically
While repetitive daily motions are the most common culprit for wrist tendonitis, this condition can also be caused by injuries and lifestyle habits. Some of these causes include:
- sudden injury (falling on, hitting, or bending the wrist)
- poorly positioned joints or bones
- weak wrist posture
- arthritis in the hands
- diabetes, which can cause nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) when not effectively managed
- older age, as muscles may weaken over time
- lack of flexibility
It’s important not to confuse wrist tendonitis with arthritis of the wrist or carpal tunnel syndrome. One may aggravate the other, but they are different conditions:
- Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of a nerve (pinched nerve).
- Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon.
If you’re experiencing wrist pain or weakness, a doctor, such as an orthopedic surgeon, can diagnose the cause. An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system.
A doctor may conduct a physical exam and recommend imaging, such as:
Both imaging types can show your bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They may help diagnose tendonitis or other causes of wrist pain and weakness.
You may be able to manage wrist tendonitis at home with self-care and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. But if your symptoms are persistent or worsen despite care at home, it’s best to talk with a doctor about other treatment options.
Home remedies for wrist tendonitis
Some tips for managing wrist tendonitis at home may include:
- applying a warm or cold compress to reduce swelling
- taking OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve)
- wearing splints or compression wrapping to give the overworked tendon time to rest and heal
- stretching your wrist to improve flexibility
- limiting or modifying the repetitive activity
You can stretch your wrist at home by alternating between gently clenching your fists and opening your fingers wide. To improve wrist and hand strength, you can practice squeezing a stress ball or a tennis ball for 10 to 15 second intervals.
Medical treatments for wrist tendonitis
If your wrist symptoms don’t improve with home remedies, it’s best to talk with a doctor, such as an orthopedic specialist.
Your doctor has a variety of options to choose from when determining how best to treat your wrist tendonitis. Common treatments include:
- corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your wrists
- occupational therapy to identify and avoid functional behaviors that lead to tendonitis
- surgery to increase the space between tendons, but this solution is rarely necessary
It may not always be possible to prevent wrist tendonitis, depending on your circumstances. But some practices can reduce the risk. These can include:
- taking regular breaks to stretch out your wrist and hands when performing repetitive motions, like typing, painting, or using power tools
- avoiding the repetitive activity for a period of time
- using appropriate posture when typing by keeping the wrists at a neutral position, your elbows at a 90-degree angle, and your forearms parallel to the floor
- using an ergonomic keyboard and mousepad while at a computer station
- using compression gloves or splints
It’s important to talk with your doctor about identifying wrist tendonitis and options for treatment.
If you can lessen or improve the repetitive motions you make with your hands, fingers, and wrists every day, you can relieve some of the strain on your tendons and keep them from getting inflamed.