What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Hand Tendinitis

What is Hand Tendonitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Tendonitis (or tendinitis) is a common condition that is characterized by inflammation of the tendon, a thick band of fibrous tissue that attaches muscles to bones. The condition may affect any tendon in the body
• Hand Tendonitis is an injury that occurs when the tendons of the hand becomes inflamed or irritated. This can result in severe, and sometimes, excruciating pain while using the hand or with hand movement
• Hand Tendonitis is usually caused by any physical activity, which results in repetitive stress on the tendon/bone/joint, or from a penetrating hand injury. It may also develop due to arthritis, gout, or uncontrolled diabetes
• Rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medications, are usually the initial recommended measures to treat Hand Tendonitis. However, surgery is an option, mostly if the pain does not improve after several months of nonsurgical treatment measures
• The prognosis for Hand Tendonitis depends on the severity of the condition; but, it is generally good with adequate treatment. However, severe cases of ruptured tendon may take several months of physical therapy and treatment to heal

Who gets Hand Tendonitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Hand Tendonitis may occur in individuals of all age groups, usually older children and adults
• Both males and females are affected
• No predilection for any specific racial or ethnic group is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Hand Tendonitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The common risk factors for Hand Tendonitis may include:

• Adolescents and young adults who are physically active
• Participation in sports activities; racket sports
• Traumatic injury from falls or vehicular accidents; any injury that results in deep piercing wounds on the hand
• Poor physical conditioning can increase stress on certain tendons
• Muscle imbalance, muscular fatigue, and weakness
• Advancing age leading to reduced flexibility in the tendons; wear and tear of the tendons
• Poorly-controlled diabetes
• Diseases or disorders affecting the thyroid gland
• Arthritis and gout
• Use of certain medications such as antibiotics

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes Hand Tendonitis? (Etiology)

Hand Tendonitis, causing pain and swelling in the tendon, usually develops from repetitive stress or injury to the tendon. There are a variety of factors that may result in Hand Tendonitis and these include:

• Individuals participating in certain sports activities that put a lot of stress on the tendons, such as basketball, badminton, volleyball, gymnastics, and golf
• Sudden increase in one’s physical activity; performing a ‘new’ physical activity
• Traumatic injuries or fall injuries that cause a tear or rupture of the tendon
• Knife or bullet wounds that pierce the hand
• Excessive overhead lifting or pulling of heavy objects
• An inflammatory or autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Development of bone spurs (extra bone growth)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hand Tendonitis?

The signs and symptoms of Hand Tendonitis may include:

• Pain and swelling around the region; the pain may be intense while using the hand
• Continuous and dull pain may be felt during rest
• Worsening pain when participating in sports or on moving the joint
• Difficulty performing simple daily tasks using one’s hand

How is Hand Tendonitis Diagnosed?

Tests and exams a physician may use to help diagnose Hand Tendonitis include:

• Physical examination: During a physical examination, the physician will apply pressure to certain areas of the affected region that is in pain. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history may aid in arriving at a diagnosis
• X-ray of the hand: X-rays use radiation to produce images of the joints. Even though X-rays cannot visualize soft tissues (such as tendons), it can help the physician rule-out other possible conditions that cause similar symptoms
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hand: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to produce clearer images of the involved tendon. This allows the physician to view any damage to the affected area
• General ultrasound imaging of the affected region: Ultrasounds are high-frequency sound waves that generate a more detailed image of the soft tissues such as tendons

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Hand Tendonitis?

A few complications of Hand Tendonitis include:

• Decreased range of motion and function of the hand, if the condition is left untreated
• Prolonged and chronic pain
• Recurrence of the symptoms, if exercise or sports activities are resumed too quickly

How is Hand Tendonitis Treated?

Initially, Hand Tendonitis may be treated with nonsurgical interventions. However, surgery is an option if the pain does not improve.

Nonsurgical treatments for the condition may include:

• Any activity that further aggravates the condition should be avoided. The physician usually recommends refraining from all such activities until the symptoms get better and the tendons heal
• Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be used to treat tendinitis. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections into the affected region help provide temporary relief of symptoms and in improving the range of motion. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections may only give temporary relief. Prolonged episodes of such injections can injure the joints in the long-run
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Platelet-rich plasma is a nonsurgical procedure that utilizes an individual's platelets to rebuild a damaged tendon or cartilage. The procedure is designed to treat athletes and active individuals with chronic tendon pain or osteoarthritis
• Therapists usually prescribe certain stretching and strengthening exercises that could aid in strengthening and improving the flexibility of the tendon and also help reduce any discomfort
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an increasingly popular (US FDA-approved) therapeutic approach in which high-energy sound waves are sent to the affected region. However, this therapy is still considered experimental by many physicians, even though research has shown that it may be effective
• Undertaking treatment of any underlying condition causing tendonitis

In rare cases, surgery is an option if nonsurgical treatment methods are unsuccessful. The procedure to correct the tendon is known as tendon repair surgery or tendon repositioning surgery.

How can Hand Tendonitis be Prevented?

A few recommendations to help prevent Hand Tendonitis include:

• Warming-up prior to exercising
• Stretching before exercising or before taking part in sports activities, which increases flexibility in the tendons
• Maintain physical fitness, which helps keep strength, flexibility, and endurance in the patellar tendon
• Allow for an adequate recovery time between exercises
• Maintain an active lifestyle to avoid weight gain
• Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, or walking
• To help prevent the recurrence of Hand Tendonitis, individuals should wear appropriate safety equipment such as tape, protective strap or brace, or an adhesive bandage. This may be required for several weeks, even after the injury has healed

What is the Prognosis of Hand Tendonitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long term prognosis of Hand Tendonitis is usually good in a majority of the individuals
• A full recovery and return to sports or normal daily activities may usually require about six or more weeks. This also depends on whether the tendon is partially torn or completely torn
• However, complications, such as decreased range of motion in the affected region, may develop in some individuals if the condition is left untreated

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hand Tendonitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/