How Our Orthopedists Help You Overcome These Hand Tendonitis Symptoms

f you’re dealing with persistent hand pain, you know how frustrating it can be, especially when it begins to interfere with everyday tasks and compromise your quality of life. Have you wondered if the nagging pain you’re experiencing could be hand tendonitis symptoms? 

Recognizing common symptoms of this condition can help you get the relief you need so you can return to your daily routine and prevent further damage. 

We’ll take a look at common symptoms of hand tendonitis, who is at risk for developing the condition, and how hand tendonitis is treated. 

At The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide expert care for hand and wrist conditions such as tendonitis, with a focus on non-surgical approaches first. If you’re experiencing persistent hand pain, we invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

What Are the Most Common Hand Tendonitis Symptoms? 

Tendonitis occurs when your tendons, the tough, fibrous connective tissue that connects your muscles to your bones, become inflamed and swollen. This typically occurs due to overuse and repetitive motions that strain the tendon.

Common hand tendonitis symptoms may include:

• Pain that feels like a dull ache and worsens with movement or activity
• Soreness at the site of the affected tendon and the surrounding area
• Tenderness over the inflamed tendon that is painful to the touch 
• A popping, cracking or clicking sensation in the hand or wrist
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the hand and wrist 
• Mild swelling, sometimes with skin discoloration
• Weakness or limited grip strength

Who is at Risk of Developing Hand Tendonitis?

You’re at greater risk of developing hand tendonitis if you have a job or a hobby that involves repetitive motions, which puts stress on the tendons. 

Some activities that can cause hand tendonitis may include: 

• Jobs such as factory or assembly work, construction, hair styling or service industry professions
• Sports like tennis, golf, baseball or weightlifting
• Data entry and other typing functions 
• Woodworking and carpentry 
• Shoveling
• Gardening
• Knitting

 Other risk factors for tendonitis include:

• Taking certain medications, including some antibiotics or corticosteroids
• Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis 
• Poor form when participating in physical activities 
• Not enough recovery time after an injury
• Sudden increase in the amount of activity 
• Strain from abrupt movements 
• Getting older

How Are Hand Tendonitis Symptoms Treated?

In many cases, symptoms of hand tendonitis can be treated at home with:

• Rest
• Ice
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

You can also try gently moving the affected joint to prevent stiffness and avoid activities that cause your symptoms. 

If your condition doesn’t improve after a few weeks with at-home remedies, we encourage you to contact us for an appointment. 

Depending on the specifics of your condition, you might need:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
• Physical therapy 
• Surgery, in rare cases when rest, physical therapy, and medication have not been effective 

Our orthopedic hand doctors in Raleigh take a conservative approach and won’t consider surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. 

How Long is the Recovery from Hand Tendonitis?

Full recovery from hand tendonitis will depend on the severity of your condition and how it’s treated.

Recovery could take as little as two – three weeks after treatment and rest, or up to a few months, if your symptoms are severe.

Because tendonitis is a repetitive strain injury, you can get it again after treatment and recovery if you continue to put too much stress on your tendons or don’t address the underlying cause.

If your treatment involves hand surgery, you may require extensive rehabilitation that can last for up to several months.

Expert Care and Treatment of Hand Conditions at The Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic

Hand tendonitis is very common, especially if your work or hobbies require repetitive hand movements. Tendonitis can make everyday tasks like typing or even brushing your teeth uncomfortable or painful, but you don’t have to suffer. 

At The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide expert care for this and other conditions of the wrist, elbow and hand with a focus on non-surgical approaches first. 

We can evaluate your injury, create a customized treatment plan just for you, and let you know when it’s safe to resume your normal activities. We invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.