How Long to Wear a Wrist Splint for Tendonitis: Recovery Timeline
How long should I wear a wrist splint for tendonitis?
The Quick Answer
Wear splints **intermittently for 2–6 weeks**—only during aggravating activities (2–4 hours/day), never continuously. Discontinue when pain-free through functional movements. If symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks despite proper splinting and exercises, seek evaluation for possible tendinopathy (degenerative changes) requiring specialized treatment beyond simple inflammation management.
Why We Ask This
Patients confuse acute tendonitis (inflammation) with chronic tendinopathy (degeneration)—wearing splints for months expecting resolution when persistent pain beyond 6 weeks indicates structural tendon changes requiring eccentric loading protocols rather than continued immobilization.
The Practical Science
True inflammatory tendonitis typically resolves within 3–6 weeks with relative rest and controlled loading. Pain persisting beyond 6–8 weeks despite appropriate management suggests tendinopathy—characterized by collagen disorganization rather than inflammation—requiring progressive tendon loading rather than protection.
In Clinical Practice
A patient with wrist flexor tendonitis wears a splint during computer work for 3 weeks while performing daily wrist flexor stretches—symptoms resolve completely by week 4. Another patient with identical initial symptoms shows no improvement at week 8—diagnostic ultrasound reveals tendinopathy requiring eccentric wrist flexor exercises instead of continued splinting.
References & Context
How Long Should Braces Be Worn for Tendonitis? - Allied Medical Waste"You should wear braces for tendonitis as long as it takes for the injury to heal, anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It's advisable to consult a doctor about the specific timeline.Apr 26, 2022"