Your hands are among the most complex and hardworking parts of your body. From typing emails to preparing food to sealing deals, your hands perform a so many things every day that you take for granted until pain gets in the way.
If you’re experiencing hand pain or noticeable changes in your ability to grasp or twist your hand, you’re not alone. The good news is that with the right treatment approach, most cases of tendonitis in hand can be effectively managed and resolved.
Symptoms of tendonitis in the hand
The most obvious sign of tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) in hand is pain, which typically develops gradually rather than suddenly. This pain often worsens with movement and may be accompanied by:
- Swelling around the affected tendon
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- A grinding or crackling sensation when moving the affected area
- Warmth and tenderness to the touch
- Weakened grip strength
There are two common types of hand tendonitis:
- Flexor tendonitis impacts the tendons that help you bend your fingers, causing pain in the palm and fingers.
- Extensor tendonitis affects the tendons on the back of the hand, leading to pain when straightening fingers.
Related conditions to tendinitis
Different types of conditions affect different tendons in the hand and benefit from a targeted treatment for that specific condition:
- Trigger finger, which is also called stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the protective sheath around a finger gets swollen and “catches” at certain positions.
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain that may radiate up the forearm.
- Arthritis, whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid, can cause a host of aches and pain in the hand and wrist.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome may have similar symptoms to tendinitis at times, but is often distinct in its tendency to cause numbness to the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Risk factors for tendonitis
Several habits or lifestyles can increase your likelihood of developing hand tendon pain. Being aware of these risk factors can help you take preventive measures and understand why you might be experiencing symptoms.
Repetitive activities
The most common cause of hand tendonitis is repetitive motion. Activities that involve repeated gripping, grasping, or finger movements can gradually wear down your tendons. This includes:
- Computer work and typing
- Playing musical instruments
- Certain sports like tennis, golf, or rock climbing
- Assembly line work or crafts requiring fine motor skills
Age and gender
Hand tendonitis becomes more common as you age, particularly after 40. Women are also more likely to develop certain types of hand tendonitis, especially during hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.
Medical conditions
Certain underlying health conditions are correlated with hand tendinitis:
- Diabetes can affect tendon healing and increase inflammation
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions
- Thyroid disorders
- Gout
How to treat hand tendon pain
Minor hand pain caused by tendonitis is often treatable with time and self-care. However, not all symptoms that you might be experiencing are caused by hand tendonitis, which is why a proper diagnosis is the better treatment method when the cause isn’t already known.
For example, if your symptoms are actually caused by arthritis, the wait-and-see approach simply delays finding a treatment method to slow the progression of the irreversible condition.
RICE method
For acute tendonitis flare-ups, the RICE method remains a cornerstone of initial treatment:
- Rest: Give your hand a break from activities that worsen the pain. This doesn’t mean complete immobilization, but rather avoiding movements that aggravate the condition.
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times daily during the first 48-72 hours. This helps reduce inflammation and pain.
- Compression: Gentle compression with an elastic bandage or wrist brace can help reduce swelling if present and provide support.
- Elevation: When possible, elevate your hand above heart level to help reduce swelling.
Avoiding triggers and modifying activities
One of the most crucial aspects of treating a strained tendon in hand is identifying and avoiding the activities that caused the problem. This might involve:
- Taking frequent breaks during repetitive tasks
- Modifying your workspace ergonomics
- Using tools with larger grips to reduce strain
- Alternating between different activities to avoid overuse
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is often the most effective long-term treatment for hand tendon pain. A skilled physical therapist can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific condition and needs.
Since every treatment at Therapydia is customized to your needs, we can’t say for sure what methods will be most helpful. For many, the following types of PT often produce good results:
- Manual therapy, such as finger joint manipulation and soft tissue mobilization
- Therapeutic stretching and strengthening exercises
- Sport-specific therapy
- Activity modification or ergonomic recommendations
Find a tendonitis specialist at Therapydia
The key to living with less hand pain lies in addressing the problem early and working with a Physical Therapist who understand the complexities of hand and wrist conditions. At Therapydia, you’ll find highly trained PTs who are dedicated to finding the solution that’s right for your root condition and lifestyle.
Learn more about what could possibly be hurting in your hand by calling one of our nearby clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
