Hand/wrist tendonitis is a condition caused by using the hands in ways that are forceful or repetitive, or by putting the hands in awkward postures (postures in extreme joint positions). In general terms, tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons, which are the fibers that attach muscles to bones. Since many muscles and tendons are used to control the hand and wrist, there are several types of tendonitis that are grouped together and labeled as 'hand/wrist tendonitis.' All of these conditions are characterized by pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or discomfort of the fingers, hand or distal forearm. These disorders include deQuervain's syndrome (thumb tendonitis), and tendonitis of the extensors and flexors of the forearm, wrist, and fingers. Trigger finger is another condition in the hand that involves the tendons.