Tendonitis is a condition that involves inflammation of a tendon, which is a soft tissue that connects muscle to bone. The flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendons are vulnerable to tendonitis. The FCU and FCR are used for bending the wrist and gripping. FCU and FCR tendonitis may include inflammation of the tendon lining (sheath). The lining normally secretes fluid that allows the tendons to function smoothly, but when it is inflamed, function is impaired. This condition may also include a tear in the FCU or FCR tendon or muscle (strain). The strain may be classified as grade 1 or 2. Grade 1 strains cause pain, but the tendon is not lengthened. Grade 2 strains include a lengthened ligament, due to the ligament being stretched or partially torn. With grade 2 strains, there is still function, although function may be decreased.
Symptoms - Pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, or redness on the underside of the wrist.
- Pain that gets worse when bending the wrist, especially against resistance or when turning the palm down against resistance.
- Pain with gripping.
- Limited motion of the wrist.
- Crackling sound (crepitation) when the tendon or wrist is moved or touched.
- Numbness in part of the palm of the hand.
Causes FCU and FCR tendonitis are caused by injury to the FCU and FCR tendons. This is often due to chronic or repeated injuries, but may also be due to severe (acute) injury. Common causes of injury include:
- Strain from unusual use, overuse, increase in activity, or change in activity of the wrist, hand, or forearm.
- Repeated motions of the hand and wrist, due to friction of the tendon within the lining (sheath).
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