Wrist Tendonitis Experts in San Antonio
What Is Wrist Tendonitis?
Wrist tendonitis occurs when the tendons in your wrist become irritated or inflamed. Tendons are strong, flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. In the wrist, they allow you to bend, straighten, and rotate your hand.
When these tendons are overused or strained, they can swell and become painful. This inflammation can limit movement and reduce grip strength. Some forms of wrist tendonitis affect the thumb side of the wrist, such as De Quervain’s tendonitis, while others affect the top or back of the wrist.
The condition can develop gradually or appear after a sudden increase in activity.
Common Causes of Wrist Tendonitis
Wrist tendonitis is typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse. Common causes include:
Repetitive hand and wrist motions such as typing, texting, or using a computer mouse
Sports activities like tennis, golf, or weightlifting
Using hand tools or vibrating equipment
Lifting with improper technique
Sudden increases in physical activity
Poor workstation ergonomics
Workplace strain or manual labor
Underlying inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
While wrist tendonitis is common, especially among active individuals and office workers, the good news is that it is highly treatable with early care.
Experiencing ongoing wrist pain or stiffness? At The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, our fellowship-trained hand specialists provide advanced evaluation and personalized treatment plans for wrist tendonitis. With a focused, evidence-based approach, we work to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore strength and mobility so you can return to your daily activities comfortably and confidently.
Symptoms of Wrist Tendonitis
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Wrist Pain
A dull ache or sharp pain that worsens with movement, especially when gripping, lifting, or twisting the wrist.
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Swelling
Mild to moderate swelling around the affected tendon, which may make the wrist feel tight or puffy.
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Tenderness
Sensitivity when pressing on a specific area of the wrist, often along the path of the inflamed tendon.
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Warmth
The area may feel warm to the touch due to inflammation in the tendon.
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Clicking or Snapping Sensation
You may notice a popping or snapping feeling when moving your wrist or thumb.
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Weak Grip Strength
Difficulty holding objects firmly, opening jars, or carrying items due to tendon irritation.
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Stiffness
Reduced flexibility in the wrist, especially first thing in the morning or after periods of rest.
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Pain That Worsens With Activity
Symptoms often increase during repetitive tasks and improve temporarily with rest.
Wrist Tendonitis Treatment in San Antonio
At the Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, we create personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and activity level. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Activity modification to reduce strain
Wrist bracing or splinting for support
Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
Anti-inflammatory medications
Cortisone injections when appropriate
Guided therapy with our Certified Hand Therapists
Our therapy team focuses on stretching, strengthening, and ergonomic education to restore function safely.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely needed for wrist tendonitis. However, if conservative treatment fails, a minor outpatient procedure may be recommended to release the inflamed tendon sheath and relieve pressure.
Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities with proper rehabilitation.
Why Choose The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for Wrist Tendonitis Treatment
When you choose The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for your wrist tendonitis care, you’re placing your trust in a team of highly experienced specialists. Our physicians bring more than 100 years of combined experience treating hand and wrist conditions, including tendon injuries caused by overuse and strain. Working alongside our Certified Hand Therapists and dedicated clinical staff, we provide personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore strength and mobility. By choosing our center, you’re choosing comprehensive, high-quality care focused on helping you return to work, sports, and daily life comfortably and confidently.
Meet Our Physicians
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David P. Green, M.D.
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Mark Bagg, M.D.
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David W. Person, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Ramesh C. Srinivasan, M.D.
OTHER HAND & WRIST RELATED ISSUES WE CAN HELP WITH
Did you know we offer in-house therapy?
Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.
