If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or weakness in your hand or wrist, you may be wondering whether you have tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. While these conditions share some symptoms, they are different in their causes, affected areas, and treatment options. Understanding the key differences can help set you on the right path for treatment and relief.
What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is a condition in which the tendons—fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones—have become inflamed from overuse or repetitive motions. In the hand and wrist, tendonitis is often caused by activities such as typing, playing musical instruments, or repetitive gripping. It can also be caused by poor ergonomics, a sudden increase in activity, and health conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Symptoms include pain, swelling, decreased grim strength, and difficulty performing repetitive hand movements such as typing or playing piano.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (which is often mistakenly shortened to “carpal tunnel”) is a nerve-related condition that occurs when the median nerve—one of the main nerves of the hand—becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Common causes include repetitive hand and wrist movements, as well as wrist injuries, arthritis, diabetes, hormonal changes (including pregnancy), and fluid retention. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness or tingling in the any/all fingers except the pinky, weakness in the hand that affects grip strength, and pain or discomfort that may radiate up the arm.
Key Differences Between Tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
| Feature | Tendonitis | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
| Cause | Inflammation of tendons due to overuse | Compression of the median nerve in the wrist |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, stiffness in the wrist or hand | Numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in specific fingers |
| Affected Area | Tendons in the hand and wrist | Median nerve inside the carpal tunnel |
| When Symptoms Occur | Pain with movement or gripping objects | Numbness/tingling, often at night or during repetitive tasks |
Treatment Options
Both tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can often be treated conservatively.
- Tendonitis Treatments: Rest, activity modification, immobilization with a sprint or brace, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or, in some rare cases, surgery to remove inflamed tissue or repair damaged tendons.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments: Rest, activity modification, cold packs, wearing a wrist brace, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, carpal tunnel surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
When to See a Doctor
If you think you may have either tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome and your symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities, it’s best to seek medical attention. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Fort can determine whether you have tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or another condition and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
If you’ve been suffering from ongoing discomfort, don’t ignore it—early intervention can help prevent long-term complications. Both of these conditions can significantly impact hand and wrist function, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can experience relief and restore your mobility. Call (305) 209-5522 or contact us online to book your appointment at Fort Orthopedic Hand Center in Miami.