Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis (also called wrist tendinopathy) is inflammation or more likely degeneration of any of the flexor or extensor tendons which cross the wrist joint. In contrast to wrist sprains, this is an overuse condition which occurs due to repetitive strain or friction of the tendon. It usually occurs in a tendon which rubs over a bony prominence or where excessive repetitive strain has been placed on the tendon. This is different from a wrist sprain which is an injury to a ligament that connects bone to bone whereas tendons connect bone to muscle.

Wrist tendonitis symptoms include pain in the wrist along with stiffness in the mornings. The wrist will be tender when pressing in over the injured tendon. Swelling may be visible over the painful tendon and a creaking feeling may be felt when moving the wrist, particularly with an older injury. A properly designed wrist brace will reduce the movement of the wrist structures and allow the tendons to heal.