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    2. Specialties
    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Hand and Wrist Orthopaedics
    5. Hand and Wrist Tendonitis

    Hand and Wrist Tendonitis

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our orthopaedic specialists assess and treat wrist and hand tendonitis. If you have pain, stiffness or difficulty moving your hand or wrist, our team can help identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment based on your needs.

    Tendonitis, also called tendinitis, happens when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones and help your joints move. Tendonitis often develops after repeated movement, strain or overuse. Early assessment can help relieve symptoms, improve movement and reduce the risk of ongoing tendon irritation or injury.

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    • Hand and wrist tendonitis is a condition in which one or more tendons become irritated or inflamed. Repeated strain, overuse or injury can cause small areas of irritation or injury within a tendon. This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.

      Several tendons can be affected in the hand and wrist. The symptoms you have will depend on which tendon is involved and how irritated it is.

    • Wrist and hand tendonitis can affect one or more tendons in the hand or wrist. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with repeated activity.

      You may have:

      • Pain in the hand or wrist that worsens with movement
      • Tenderness along the affected tendon
      • Swelling around the wrist or hand
      • Stiffness, especially after rest
      • Weakness when gripping or lifting objects
      • Warmth around the affected area
      • Difficulty with everyday tasks, such as writing, opening jars or typing

      Without treatment or activity changes, symptoms may last longer and make daily activities more difficult.

    • Hand and wrist tendonitis is most often caused by repeated stress on the tendons over time. Common causes and contributing factors include:

      • Repeated hand or wrist movements at work or during sport
      • Repeated gripping or lifting
      • Sudden increases in physical activity
      • Poor hand or wrist position during repetitive tasks
      • Previous injury to the hand or wrist
      • Certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
      • Age-related changes affecting the tendons

      Your consultant will consider your symptoms, medical history and daily activities to understand what may be contributing to your condition.

    • Diagnosis begins with a consultation and examination by your specialist.

      Your assessment may include:

      • A discussion about your symptoms and when they happen
      • An examination of the affected hand and wrist
      • An assessment of movement, strength and grip
      • Simple movement tests to help identify which tendon is affected

      may include:

      • Ultrasound, to assess tendon inflammation, thickening, or small tears
      • MRI, to provide detailed images of tendons and surrounding soft tissues if the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms continue
      • X-rays, if another condition affecting the bones or joints is suspected

      Different people need different tests. Your diagnostic plan will be based on your symptoms and examination findings.

    • Treatment depends on your symptoms, the tendon involved and how long symptoms have been present. Many people improve with nonsurgical treatment.

      Your treatment plan may include:

      • Activity modification: Reducing or adapting activities that place repeated strain on the affected tendon can help relieve symptoms while the tendon recovers.
      • Wrist or hand support: A splint or brace may be recommended for a short time to reduce movement and support the affected tendon.
      • Medicine: Your consultant may recommend anti-inflammatory medicine, when appropriate, to help manage pain and swelling.
      • Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises. They also can give guidance on movement patterns that reduce strain on the affected tendon.
      • Corticosteroid injections: For some types of tendonitis, your consultant may recommend a corticosteroid, or steroid, injection to reduce inflammation when symptoms have not improved with other treatments.
      • Surgery: Surgery is only considered when symptoms continue despite appropriate non-surgical treatment or when there is significant damage to the tendon.

      Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery, we collaborate with leading healthcare professionals who are able to carry out these procedures when appropriate. If surgery is recommended, your consultant will explain the available options and coordinate your ongoing care.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to experienced orthopaedic specialists and coordinated care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and other joints. 

      Our approach includes:

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to helping you understand your condition and supporting you throughout your care.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a consultation

    If you have symptoms of wrist and hand tendonitis, including pain, swelling or difficulty moving your hand or wrist, our specialists can assess the cause of your symptoms and discuss treatment options. Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Mr Karthik Karuppaiah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

    Home
    1. Home
    2. Specialties
    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Hand and Wrist Orthopaedics
    5. Hand and Wrist Tendonitis