Wrist extensor tendinitis is a condition that affects the tendons that allow you to lift your hand and extend your fingers. It usually causes pain on the back of the wrist, especially when performing repetitive movements, playing sports, or handling objects, and generally improves with relative rest and rehabilitation.
What is wrist extensor tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of one or more extensor tendons, responsible for lifting the wrist and extending the fingers, and occurs when these structures are subjected to repeated or excessive strain.
It is common in repetitive manual labor, racket sports, and in those who spend many hours in front of a computer.
Which extensor tendons become inflamed in the wrist and hand
Any of the extensor tendons that cluster on the back of the wrist can become inflamed, and depending on the affected compartment, the pain may be located near the thumb, in the center of the back of the wrist, or toward the little finger side, as detailed in this guide on wrist tendinopathies.
Why repetitive movements can irritate extensors
Repetitive extension movements, especially those performed forcefully or in a sustained position, generate constant friction on the tendon. Over time, this can lead to inflammation.
This overload can also affect the insertion of the extensors near the elbow, as occurs in the Epicondylitis caused by repetitive movements.
What symptoms does wrist extensor tendinitis cause?
The main symptom is pain on the back of the wrist, which generally worsens with movement and improves with rest. Swelling or discomfort when exerting force with the hand may also occur.
In some cases, the pain may radiate to the forearm or fingers, especially if you try to extend them against resistance.
How to recognize pain on the back of the wrist or hand
The main symptom is pain located on the back of the wrist or hand. In addition, there may be tenderness when touching the tendon, mild swelling, stiffness, or a grinding or grating sensation during movement.
Discomfort may increase when extending the wrist or fingers against resistance, lifting weight, grasping objects, or resting the hands on a surface.
What signs differentiate extensor tendinitis from other injuries
If the pain persists for one or two weeks beyond rest, or significantly limits the strength to grasp objects, it is necessary to see a specialist.
The team of Hand and wrist traumatologists at Elgeadi Traumatology evaluate these types of injuries to determine their origin.
When pain occurs when extending the fingers, a specialist should evaluate it.
You should consult a doctor if the pain does not improve when you reduce activity, limit daily tasks, or if it recurs when you resume work or sports.
The sudden inability to extend one or more fingers may indicate a tendon injury or rupture. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand describes loss of extension as a characteristic sign of the extensor tendon injuries.
How is extensor tendinitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis consists of an interview about the pain, activities that worsen it, and a history of overuse or trauma. Then, the wrist, hand, fingers, and forearm are examined.
What does physical examination contribute to extensor tendon pain?
The specialist should palpate the different compartments to locate the pain and check for swelling, thickening, or crepitus. The patient may also need to extend their wrist or fingers while applying resistance to assess their condition.
Physical examination helps to identify the affected tendon and differentiate tendinopathy from joint, bone, ligament, or neurological problems.
When might a wrist ultrasound or MRI be useful?
When the diagnosis cannot be confirmed by examination, an ultrasound is the first option as it allows direct visualization of the tendon and confirmation of inflammation.
MRI is reserved for more complex cases, when an associated injury is suspected.
What information should be shared about work, sport, and overload?
It's helpful to explain when the pain started, what movement triggers it, and if there have been any recent changes in training or work activities. It's also important to mention prolonged use of tools, keyboards, mice, or musical instruments.
Relating symptoms to a specific activity facilitates the identification of overload and allows the treatment to be adapted to prevent the problem from recurring.
What is the treatment for wrist extensor tendinitis?
Most cases begin with conservative treatment to reduce pain and gradually restore tendon function. The approach will depend on the severity of the injury, the affected structure, and the patient's individual needs.
How relative rest, splinting, and physiotherapy help
Relative rest aims to temporarily reduce painful movements without completely immobilizing the joint. A splint is a good option as it can keep the wrist in a neutral position during activities that cause discomfort.
Physical therapy may include mobility and strengthening exercises, along with corrections to work or sports movements. The combination of traumatology and physiotherapy This will allow the patient to adapt their recovery to the diagnosis and return to their normal activities.
When to consider injections or advanced treatments for tendons
Injections can be considered as an option when the diagnosis is already confirmed and the pain persists despite carrying out adequate conservative treatment.
Other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma, may be considered in certain cases of persistent tendinopathy. If symptoms do not improve, traumatologists specializing in hand and wrist They can review the diagnosis to rule out a fracture or other associated injury.
