What Causes Hand and Wrist Tendonitis? A Hand Therapist’s Guide

How Is Hand and Wrist Tendonitis Treated?

Conservative treatment is the standard first approach and resolves the great majority of cases. Treatment usually includes some combination of:

Activity Modification

Identifying and reducing the activities that triggered the problem. Sometimes this means temporary rest; more often it means changing how you do an activity (ergonomic adjustments, posture changes, tool changes).

Custom Splinting

A custom-fitted splint or orthosis immobilizes the affected tendon enough to let it heal while still allowing function. Custom splints — fabricated to fit your specific anatomy — are typically far more effective than generic store-bought braces.

Manual Therapy

Skilled hand therapists use hands-on techniques to reduce tissue restriction, improve tendon glide, and reduce pain. Manual therapy is often combined with other modalities for the best results.

Targeted Exercise

A graduated exercise program rebuilds tendon health. Early stretching maintains range of motion; later, strengthening exercises restore function and prevent recurrence.

Ice and Anti-Inflammatories

Useful in the acute phase to manage pain and reduce inflammation, but not a long-term solution on their own.

Cortisone Injection

For tendonitis that doesn’t respond to conservative measures, a cortisone injection from a hand specialist physician can reduce inflammation. Injections are usually combined with therapy rather than used alone.

Surgery

A last resort, used only for chronic cases that haven’t responded to months of conservative treatment.

Preventing Tendonitis in the First Place

If you’re at high risk — repetitive job, sport, or hobby — a few habits go a long way:

• Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks (the “20-20-20” rule for screen work applies here too)
• Use ergonomic equipment: split keyboards, vertical mice, tool grips designed to reduce strain
• Build in stretching and strengthening for the hand, wrist, and forearm
• Pay attention to early signs — minor pain is much easier to treat than chronic inflammation
• Don’t ramp up a new activity too fast; let your tendons adapt
• Pay attention to grip force — you usually need less than you think

When to See a Hand Therapist for Tendonitis

If your symptoms have lasted more than two weeks despite rest, or if pain is interfering with daily activities, it’s time to get evaluated. The longer tendonitis persists, the harder it becomes to treat — and tendons that stay inflamed long enough can develop chronic structural changes that take significantly longer to reverse.

A certified hand therapist can identify exactly which tendon is involved, what’s driving the inflammation, and what specific combination of treatments will resolve your case most efficiently.

Get Hand Therapy for Tendonitis on Long Island

If you’re dealing with persistent hand, wrist, or elbow pain that fits the patterns above, don’t wait for it to get worse. Hand and wrist tendonitis is one of the most treatable conditions we see — when patients come in early.

East End Occupational Therapy has four locations across Long Island and a team of Certified Hand Therapists and OTs with extensive experience treating tendonitis, including custom splint fabrication done in-office.

Schedule a Hand Therapy Evaluation →

📞 (631) 676-4185