Specialists at the Penn Integrated Hand Program are highly experienced in treating tendonitis, a very common condition associated with tendons of the hand and wrist.
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, tendonitis can become a long-term issue that may limit your hand function. That's why prompt evaluation and the development of an appropriate treatment plan by our specialists are important to ensure the best possible results.
Meet the team of experts who specialize in hand tendonitis care
Treatment for Tendonitis in the Hand and Wrist
Penn Integrated Hand Program surgeons offer effective non-surgical and surgical treatment options for tendonitis. We perform complete assessments of your hand and wrist to determine how severe your condition is.
If needed, a musculoskeletal ultrasound may be done to look closely at soft tissues such as tendons in the hand and wrist. After careful evaluation, our surgeons will recommend one of the following treatment options:
Non-Surgical Options for Tendonitis
There are a few non-surgical treatment options that may be effective for tendonitis. We usually try these methods before recommending surgery.
- Immobilization
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
- Steroid Injection
Surgery for Tendonitis
If any of the tendons in your hand are damaged and non-surgical treatment is not helping, surgery may be needed to repair them and help restore movement in the affected fingers or thumb.
In many cases, our surgeons will use local anesthesia while the patient is awake when performing surgery for tendonitis.
The surgery is minimally invasive, allowing patients to go home on the same day, experience a quicker recovery time and have a lower risk of side effects and complications. During the procedure, our surgeons will make a small incision in your wrist, hand or finger to locate and repair the damaged tendon.
However, if the tendon damage is more complex, the procedure may be carried out under general anesthesia. Our hand surgeons are experts in orthopaedics and plastic surgery, giving you the full spectrum of care that you need to heal.
What is tendonitis in the hand?
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon and is commonly seen in the wrist and fingers. When the tendons become irritated, you may experience swelling, pain and discomfort. In some cases, tendonitis may be related to a disease, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
If left untreated, severe tendonitis can lead to a rupture of the tendon and may require surgery.
If you are experiencing tendonitis in your hand, it's important to seek the right medical care to avoid further damage. Our surgeons will provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss all possible treatment options with you.
Symptoms of Tendonitis in the Hand and Wrist
Symptoms of tendonitis in the hand and wrist are different for every person, but the most common and consistent complaint is pain.
Other symptoms may include:
- Grinding sensation when you move the wrist
- Swelling from fluid accumulation and inflammation
- Warmth and redness
- Weakness of the wrist
What causes tendonitis?
In general, repetitive movement and overuse of the hand and wrist can cause tendonitis. Other causes include: