Symptoms and evaluation
Symptoms vary by tendon involved and may include activity-related pain, tenderness, swelling, weakness, painful gripping or discomfort with repetitive hand, wrist or elbow motion. Evaluation focuses on the location of pain, tendon function, provocative examination findings and the activities that trigger symptoms.
Treatment options
Treatment is individualized and may include activity modification, splinting or bracing, therapy, anti-inflammatory strategies when appropriate and selected injections. Persistent symptoms, structural tendon injury or mechanical problems may require additional imaging or surgical treatment.
Recovery and return to activity
Recovery depends on the tendon involved, duration of symptoms and treatment selected. A gradual return to loading and strengthening is often important to restore function while limiting recurrence.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Tendonitis is a broad term. Similar symptoms can arise from tendinopathy, tendon tears, tenosynovitis or nearby joint and nerve conditions, so an accurate diagnosis helps guide treatment.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.