How To Treat and Heal Extensor Tendonitis

Treatment includes home remedies/activity modification, medications, and physical therapy.

This condition rarely requires surgery.

Causes

Extensor tendonitis in the hands typically results from overusing your extensor muscles, causinginflammationin your tendons.

However, it can also result from an injury.

Though tendonitis results from inflammation, tendinopathy is the degenerationor micro-tearingof a tendon that occurs with long-term overuse.

It’s important to know which condition you are dealing with because they require different treatments.

The primary symptom of extensor tendonitis is pain in the affected tendon(s).

You might also experience swelling, and your skin might become red or warm to the touch.

Typically, pain from tendonitis gets worse if you move or use the affected muscles and improves with rest.

Diagnosis of tendonitis is often possible with a physical exam and review of symptoms.

Additional tests may be needed to rule out more serious injuries, like a stress fracture or torn tendon.

Using splints, braces, and crutches limits movement and use of affected tendon(s).

Modifying your activities can also address the underlying cause of your tendonitis.

Hand extensor tendonitis can develop from poor positioning.

Setting up anergonomic workstationcan help significantly.

Consult with your coach or a personal trainer if your tendonitis is related to exercise.

You might need to adjust your technique or training schedule to decrease pressure on your tendons.

Extensor tendonitisboth in the hand and footis often treated withphysical therapy.

Recovery after extensor tendon repair requires physical therapy, and treatment follows a specific protocol.

Tendonitis can develop in any tendon of the extensor muscles.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key for a quicker recovery.

It’s important to determine the underlying cause of your condition rather than just treating your symptoms.

See your healthcare provider if you suspect you might have extensor tendonitis.

This condition causes pain and swelling.

Tendonitis symptoms worsen with activity and often improve with rest.

Treatment for extensor tendonitis includes medications, home remedies/activity modification, and physical therapy.

This condition does not usually require surgery.

2022;10(4):23259671221088610. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177%2F23259671221088610

Arthritis Foundation.Tendinitis.

Physiopedia.Extensor Tendon Injuries of the Hand.

Hospital for Special Surgery.Tendonitis / Tendinitis

American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Tendons.