Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the strong, cord-like tissue that connects muscles to bones. When a tendon becomes overused or stressed, small tears or irritation can develop, leading to swelling, pain, and limited movement.
Tendonitis is especially common in the upper extremities, usually affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and forearm. This is because this is where tendons are constantly in use for everything from typing and lifting to gripping and twisting. Repetitive motions, poor ergonomics, or a sudden increase in physical activity can all lead to tendonitis.
When tendonitis develops, you’ll often feel pain, stiffness, and tenderness, and have difficulty moving the affected joint. Even simple tasks like opening a jar, holding a pen, or lifting a bag can become uncomfortable or limiting with tendonitis.
Do I Have Tennis Elbow? Exploring the Types of Tendonitis
Several types of tendonitis can affect the hand, wrist, elbow, and forearm, each involving different tendons and movement patterns. These are some of the most common tendonitis conditions we diagnose and treat at HUES:
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: This condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling near the base of the thumb.
- Flexor or Extensor Tendonitis: Flexor tendonitis affects the tendons that bend the fingers and wrist, while extensor tendonitis involves the tendons that straighten them.
- Golfer’s Elbow: Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow, where the forearm tendons attach. It’s linked to repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation.
- Intersection Syndrome: This less common condition occurs when two sets of tendons in the forearm rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and a “creaking” sensation near the wrist.
- Tennis Elbow: Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to get tennis elbow. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow caused by repetitive wrist extension or gripping.
Tendonitis Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
If you suspect you may have tendonitis, it’s important to listen to your body — especially if pain or stiffness starts interfering with your daily activities. Early signs often begin gradually but can worsen without the proper care.
Some telltale signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Dull or sharp pain around the affected tendon
- Swelling or warmth in the area
- Pain with motion or specific activities
- Morning stiffness or a clicking sensation
- Weakness or reduced range of motion
Causes and Risk Factors of Tendonitis
Tendonitis often develops when tendons are placed under repeated stress, especially during activities that involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive arm and hand motions. While anyone can develop tendonitis, certain jobs, hobbies, and health conditions can increase your risk, including:
- Repetitive use or overuse
- Poor ergonomics or improper technique
- Previous injury or trauma
- Aging or degenerative changes
- Inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis
How We Diagnose Tendonitis
Diagnosing tendonitis starts with carefully reviewing your symptoms and a hands-on physical exam to check for tenderness, swelling, and pain with movement. In some cases, imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to get a closer look at the affected tendons. This approach helps rule out other conditions, like partial tendon tears or nerve-related issues, that may contribute to your discomfort.
Do I Need Surgery for Tendonitis?
Most cases of tendonitis can be successfully treated without surgery, especially when diagnosed early. Rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatments are often enough to relieve pain and restore mobility.
However, surgical care may be considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or if there is underlying tendon damage, such as a partial tear or significant scarring that limits function.
To treat tendonitis, we offer a range of personalized treatment options based on your symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals, including:
- Non-surgical therapies: This includes activity modification, bracing or splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections
- Hand and occupational therapy: Guided exercises to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and rebuild strength
- Ultrasound-guided procedures: Precise, minimally invasive injections for targeted relief
- Microsurgical repair or debridement: When needed, surgical options can remove damaged tissue or repair a torn tendon to restore function and relieve chronic pain
