Hand tendonitis is a type of condition where a tendon on the wrist or hand is inflamed. It could result from an injury or repetitive hand and wrist motions that can put stress on the affected tendon.
When you have hand tendonitis, it is important to see a hand doctor for treatment. So, it’s best to be familiar with the following symptoms to identify the problem sooner.
1. Persistent Pain
Pain in the hands or wrist can be an indication of many hand-related injuries or conditions. Aside from hand tendonitis, the persistent pain in your hands may also be a result of arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
For hand tendonitis, you may notice the pain starting as a slight weakness. The intensity then increases to a dull throb radiating from the affected tendon. The pain could also manifest in the form of tenderness that goes up and down the fingers and palm.
At the early stages of hand tendonitis, the pain may stop, especially when you are no longer moving your hands. However, as the condition worsens, the pain will be more consistent.
If left untreated, the dull throb from hand tendonitis may increase to sharp pain. In this case, it’s best to see a professional to get hand pain treatment.
2. Swelling or Inflammation
Since hand tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon, you may notice swelling in the affected area. This inflammation can even result in fluid buildup. At first, the swelling may be mild. But over time, it can worsen and cause pain and tightness in the hands and wrists.
3. Numbness
Numbness is more prevalent in other hand and wrist conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it is still possible to feel numbness when you have hand tendonitis. This numbness is often isolated in the affected area but may also appear on the tips of affected fingers.
4. Difficulty Bending the Fingers
While not as common as other symptoms, you may experience difficulty bending your fingers when you have hand tendonitis. This symptom does not often present itself at the early stages of the condition. Inability to bend the fingers is often a result of ignoring the condition and refusing to seek professional help.
As you try to bend your fingers, you may experience sharp pain. This can be felt by just a single finger or the whole hand. If left untreated, you may find it impossible to bend your fingers at all. In this case, you will need to see a hand doctor for urgent treatment.
5. A Sliding or Grating Feeling
One strange symptom you may experience when having hand tendonitis is a grating feeling. You may feel as if your joints are sliding up against each other. It often starts out more smoothly but can escalate to a scraping sensation. This may be a very uncomfortable sensation and can be scary for some. To ease your discomfort and fear, it would be best to see a hand doctor as soon as you can.
Final Thoughts
When a tendon in your hand or wrist becomes inflamed, you may experience hand tendonitis. Some symptoms you need to watch out for include persistent pain, swelling, numbness, difficulty bending the fingers, and an uncomfortable grating feeling in your joint. If left untreated, these symptoms could worsen and escalate in intensity. So, it’s best to seek help from a hand doctor when you experience any of these symptoms.
When the pain in your hands persists, get the hand pain treatment you need from North Florida Hand and Wrist. We are a state-of-the-art surgical facility staffed by a team of dedicated practitioners whose primary goal is to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience. Schedule an appointment now!
