Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis most often affects the tendons that control the movement of the fingers, hand, and thumb. In some cases, the sheath that surrounds the tendon may also become irritated or inflamed, a related condition known as tenosynovitis. Left untreated, tendonitis of the wrist worsens over time, limiting function and causing chronic discomfort.

Symptoms of Wrist Tendonitis

The most common wrist tendonitis symptom is localized pain in the wrist that may extend toward the thumb, forearm, or hand, depending on which tendon is affected. Other symptoms include:

• Swelling around the wrist joint
• Stiffness of the wrist
• Warmth and redness of the tendons around the wrist
• Grinding sensations with the movement of the tendons
• Decreased range of motion in the wrist or hand
• Weakness in the hand when gripping, pinching, throwing, typing, using a computer mouse, or using a computer game controller

Tendonitis of the Wrist Causes

Wrist tendonitis is most often caused by repetitive motion or overuse that irritates and inflames the tendons. When the same movements are repeated frequently, especially under strain or without rest, tiny injuries accumulate, leading to pain and swelling in the wrist.

Common causes include:

• Typing, writing, or prolonged computer mouse use
• Repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting
• Sports such as tennis, golf, rowing, or climbing
• Tool use, vibrating equipment, or assembly line work
• Poor ergonomics or sudden increases in activity

Types of Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis is categorized by which tendon is inflamed and where it’s located around the wrist joint.

Below are several common types of wrist tendonitis:

• Extensor Carpi Radialis Tendonitis affects a tendon on the back of the wrist that controls extension and side-to-side movement. Pain may occur during wrist extension or resistance-based activities.
• Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendonitis involves the tendon on the pinky side of the wrist. Pain along the outer wrist, especially during sports or weight-bearing activities.
• Flexor Tendonitis affects tendons on the palm side of the wrist, such as the flexor carpi radialis, causing palm-side hand and finger pain.
• Intersection Syndrome occurs when tendons from the forearm cross over others near the back of the wrist. It can cause pain, swelling, or a rubbing sensation in the outer lower forearm, often mistaken for De Quervain’s but with a more central or proximal location.
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is technically a tenosynovitis rather than a tendonitis, but is often grouped with wrist tendonitis disorders due to its similar symptoms and treatment. It affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist and causes pain during gripping, lifting, or twisting motions.

How is Wrist Tendonitis Diagnosed?

Wrist tendonitis is typically diagnosed through a physical exam that evaluates pain location, range of motion, and tendon function. Your physician may perform tests that stretch or activate specific tendons to locate the precise source of inflammation. For example, patients with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis have painful tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The tunnel where the tendons run can narrow, or the tendons can thicken, leading to pain with thumb motion, especially with forceful grasping or twisting.

It is important not to confuse wrist tendonitis with carpal tunnel. One may aggravate the other, but they are different conditions. Carpal tunnel is caused by compression of the nerve, whereas tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon.