Calcific tendonitis in the hand: what to expect

Because a sudden red, swollen hand can also signal infection, gout or injury, clinical assessment matters. Imaging may confirm the deposit, while the treatment chosen should preserve motion without repeatedly irritating the tendon.

Hand tendons travel through confined spaces and transfer force to the fingers and thumb. Local inflammation can therefore make gripping, pinching, typing or opening containers uncomfortable even when the deposit is small. Swelling may further restrict tendon glide.

The clinician checks where pain begins, whether a tendon moves normally, and whether joints, nerves or skin are involved. X-ray commonly identifies calcium; ultrasound can help show its position within or beside a tendon. Examination is also used to look for infection, crystal arthritis, fracture or a tendon tear.

Reduce forceful gripping and repetitive tasks for a short period, and remove rings early if swelling is developing. A splint may protect the painful structure, but it should fit correctly and be used for the purpose and duration advised. Suitable pain relief depends on your medical history and current medicines.

Hand therapy or physiotherapy can guide gentle tendon gliding, range of motion and a gradual return to grip strength. Persistent symptoms may lead to discussion of an image-guided treatment or, less commonly, surgery. Do not puncture, squeeze or massage a tender swelling in an attempt to remove calcium.

Get urgent medical help for spreading redness, pus, fever, a bite or puncture wound with increasing pain, or swelling that makes a ring tight. A pale, blue or cold digit, new loss of feeling, sudden weakness, or inability to straighten a finger after injury also warrants urgent assessment.

Schedule a clinical review if a finger repeatedly catches or locks, grip continues to deteriorate, swelling does not settle, or pain interferes with sleep and routine hand use.

Ask which tendon is involved, whether infection and joint disease have been excluded, and whether a splint would help or cause avoidable stiffness. Discuss safe limits for work, lifting and driving, along with the signs that should prompt repeat imaging or specialist referral.