Wrist tendinitis: 6 signs and symptoms to be aware of

Wrist tendinitis is usually a result of overuse. If you have a job that puts strain on your wrists, like careers in construction or cosmetology, or if you do a lot of work with your hands in your free time, you may be more likely to develop it. Texting, typing and playing video games can also lead to wrist tendinitis. A physical therapist can help you determine what’s causing your wrist pain. They can provide treatments that may help and advise you on adjustments you can make to limit your pain in the future.

There are a few different types of tendinitis that can affect your wrists. De Quervain’s tendinitis affects the tendons near your thumb. Ulnar tendinitis is another variation in which the tendons on the pinkie side of your hand become irritated. Pain from tennis elbow can sometimes radiate from the elbow down the forearm and into the wrist.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the most common signs and symptoms of wrist tendinitis and how physical therapy can help.

6 key signs and symptoms

Pain in the wrist can be a sign of tendinitis, but there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the nerve passageway inside the forearm narrows, and wrist pain is one of the major symptoms. Osteoarthritis in the wrists happens when cartilage inside the wrist joint wears away. Cysts can form on the back or the front of the wrist, putting pressure on nerves or tendons. 

With wrist tendinitis, pain is usually located on the outer edges of the wrist rather than the front, back or middle. There may also be other symptoms like swelling, tenderness, redness and reduced grip strength that differentiate wrist tendinitis from other conditions.

The following are six symptoms that may be signs of wrist tendinitis:

1. Pain with specific movements or activities — You might notice pain from wrist tendinitis when gripping something (e.g. when opening a jar or carrying an umbrella). You may also notice pain when you lift things, curve your wrist or put pressure on it. Writing, typing, using a mouse and riding a bicycle may make your pain worse. Wrist tendinitis is often especially painful along the side of the wrist near the thumb or pinkie finger.

2. Tenderness near affected tendons — Wrist tendinitis can make parts of your wrist feel tender to the touch. You may notice some redness and inflammation.

3. Swelling or warmth around the wrist — You may notice swelling around your wrist or where your fingers meet your palm. Your wrist may also feel warm.

4. Decreased grip strength — Pain, swelling and weakness in your wrist may make certain tasks difficult. You might have a hard time turning doorknobs or lifting things with your hands.

5. Limited range of motion — You may not be able to move your wrist through its full range of motion. It might feel like it’s stiff or catching in certain places.

6. Crackling or grating sensation with movement — When you have wrist tendinitis, you might feel a grinding or creaking sensation when moving your wrist. 

Common causes and risk factors

Some people may be more likely to develop wrist tendinitis. This includes women, people who are over 40 and those who smoke. If you’ve had tendon injuries or tennis elbow before, you may be more likely to have wrist tendinitis. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and certain infections, can also make it more likely.

The following are some factors that often contribute to wrist tendinitis:

• Repetitive motions

• Improper technique when typing, texting or doing other activities

• Sudden increase in activity level without warming up or conditioning your wrists

• Certain occupations and hobbies that involve repetitive wrist motions, such as cake decorating, gymnastics or basketball

How can physical therapy help with wrist tendinitis?

A physical therapist can perform an assessment to determine the likely cause of your wrist pain and tell you whether you have tendinitis or another condition. Identifying wrist tendinitis early on can help shorten your recovery time and prevent chronic pain and dysfunction. A PT can provide natural treatments to support your body’s natural healing processes and make your wrists and forearms more resilient. They can also help you modify activities that aggravate your wrist pain and help you develop strategies to manage your pain at home. In some cases, your PT might recommend a wrist brace or other equipment to provide support.

Your wrists need a balance of healthy movement and rest to stay in good shape. Stretching and strengthening them may help you keep your pain to a minimum. When your wrists are hurting, however, you shouldn’t push through the pain.

At KC Rehab, we listen to our patients’ concerns and provide personalized treatments to help you care for your health. We focus on providing relief in the short term, and then we follow through with long-term solutions to keep your pain from progressing or coming back.

Are you ready to find out what’s causing your wrist pain? We can help. Contact our team today to schedule an initial appointment.