Hand & Wrist Tendonitis & Bursitis

Hand and wrist tendonitis and bursitis can lead to weakness, inflammation, swelling and pain in the hand or wrist. Tendonitis is the swelling and irritation of a tendon caused by an injury or overuse.

Bursitis is the inflammation of tiny sacs of fluid called bursae. The condition is usually temporary but may involve repeated episodes of pain and swelling. If left untreated, bursitis may cause muscle deterioration and limit movement in the affected joints of your hand or wrist.

Diagnosing Hand & Wrist Tendonitis & Bursitis

Tendonitis is often due to strain, overuse, injury or repetitive movements. It may also be related to conditions such as diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid issues or infection.

Signs & Symptoms

Tendonitis symptoms include:

• Grating joint—a feeling of grating or grinding when your joint moves.
• Pain—pain or throbbing when moving the tendon.
• Swelling—fluid and inflammation in your joint or tendon.

Bursitis symptoms include:

• Pain in the wrist or hand while at rest or lifting heavy objects
• Small lump or swelling that may be warm or tender to the touch

Diagnosis

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may order the following tests:

• Bursa aspiration—a small amount of fluid is collected from the affected joint with a small needle and tested for infection and gout.
• X-ray—to gather images of the bones in your hand and/or wrist. Tendons are not visible on X-rays, but they show bone damage caused by arthritis.

Hand & Wrist Tendonitis & Bursitis Treatments

Treatment for tendonitis and bursitis focuses on reducing pain and inflammation.

Nonsurgical Treatments

When possible, we use nonsurgical treatments for tendonitis and bursitis, including:

• Activity modification—limiting movements that irritate your hand and wrist.
• Anti-inflammatory and pain medications (NSAIDs)—oral or topical medications that reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Antibiotics—to treat inflammation and infection.
• Cold therapy—reduces blood flow to the affected hand to reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Cortisone injections—anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy—techniques to stretch and strengthen your muscles, reduce pain and restore function.
• Rest—allows your body time to heal.
• Splint or cast—to stabilize the affected joints.

Surgical Treatments

If nonsurgical methods don’t work or if you have severe tendonitis or an inflamed bursa, your doctor may recommend surgery as the best treatment option.