Meet Margaret
Sarah is a 45-year-old marketing professional and a mother of two who enjoys gardening, yoga, and playing piano in her free time. She’s always been active and enjoys staying busy, but over the last couple of months, Sarah has noticed a persistent ache and weakness in her wrist that has started to interfere with her daily life.
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The onset of symptoms was gradual. Sarah first noticed discomfort in her wrist when she was typing at her computer at work. She brushed it off as a minor ache from spending too much time at her desk. Over time, the pain worsened, especially during tasks like lifting her laptop bag, twisting open jars, or doing plank poses in yoga.
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The pain became sharp when she pressed her palm flat against a surface or picked up heavier objects, such as grocery bags. She also felt a "creaking" sensation when she moved her wrist in certain directions, and her grip strength began to weaken.
Understanding Tendonopathy/Tendonitis
Tendinopathy (or tendonitis) of the hand and fingers is a common condition that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with daily tasks like gripping, typing, or lifting objects.
Tendons are strong, flexible connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, enabling movement and stability. In the hand, tendons are categorised as:
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Flexor Tendons: Found on the palm side, these tendons bend the fingers and thumb.
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Extensor Tendons: Located on the back of the hand, these tendons straighten the fingers and thumb.
Both tendon groups travel through sheaths lined with synovial fluid, which reduces friction. When these tendons are overused or injured, inflammation or degeneration can occur, leading to tendinopathy.
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What Causes of Hand and Finger Tendinopathy:
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Repetitive movements: Activities requiring repetitive gripping, typing, or lifting
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Overuse injuries: Excessive strain from sports like rock climbing or racket sports
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Direct trauma: Blunt impact or strain on tendons
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Inflammatory conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases
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Age-related changes: Tendons lose elasticity with age, increasing susceptibility to injury
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Symptoms of hand and finger tendinopathy
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Pain, tenderness, or swelling along the tendon
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Stiffness or difficulty moving the fingers or wrist
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A snapping or clicking sensation in the affected tendon (e.g trigger finger)
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Weak grip strength.Warmth or redness over the affected area
Types of hand and finger tendinopathy
De Quervain’s Tendinopathy:
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Affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.It is commonly caused by repetitive thumb movements, such as texting or lifting.
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This is also very common following childbirth due to both hormonal changes affecting tendons as well as prolonged position in aggravating postures due to demands of nursing and caring for a newborn
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Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
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Involves thickening of the flexor tendons, causing fingers to lock in a bent position.
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Extensor Tendinopathy
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Affects the tendons on the back of the hand and wrist. Often associated with overuse or sports.
Flexor Tendinopathy
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Involves the palm side tendons, often due to repetitive gripping or trauma.​​
How hand therapists can hand and finger tendionopathy
Activity modification
Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms is critical for recovery
Taping, splinting and immobilisation
Custom splints or tapes and supports are used to rest the affected tendons and reduce strain.
Therapeutic exercises
Stretching improves flexibility and reduces stiffness in the affected tendons.
Strengthening
Gradual resistance exercises help rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.
Modalities ultrasound therapy
Promotes healing by increasing blood flow.
Cold therapy
Reduces swelling and inflammation during acute phases.
Corticosteroid injections
Sometimes recommended in conjunction with therapy for severe cases of inflammation.
Education
Therapists provide guidance on proper ergonomics and posture to prevent further strain.
Frequently asked questions about hand and finger tendionopathy
Does wrist tendonitis/ Tendinopathy affect the fingers?
Yes, wrist tendinopathy can impact finger movement and strength, as many tendons crossing the wrist also control finger function.
How long does wrist tendinopathy take to heal?
Mild cases: 2-4 weeks with rest and therapy.
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Chronic cases: 3-6 months or longer, depending on severity and adherence to treatment and participation in aggravating activies.
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De Quervain’s is a specific type of tendinopathy affecting the tendons at the base of the thumb, leading to pain and difficulty with activities like gripping or lifting.
At our clinic, we specialize in treating hand and finger tendinopathy through customized therapy programs. If you’re experiencing symptoms, contact us for an assessment and a treatment plan to get back to pain-free movement.