Wrist Tendon Injuries in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
FREE CONSULTATION
Contact Us About Your Case
FREE Consultation Today.
Wrist Tendon Injuries in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Wrist tendon injuries are extremely common in Texas workers’ compensation claims — especially in construction, warehousing, manufacturing, oilfield work, transportation, and any job requiring repetitive gripping, lifting, twisting, or tool use. Tendons control nearly every wrist and hand movement, and when injured, workers often experience pain, weakness, clicking, swelling, and difficulty performing essential job tasks.
Despite clear medical evidence, insurance carriers frequently dispute tendon injuries, calling them “minor,” “degenerative,” or “not work‑related.” This post explains how wrist tendon injuries develop, how they’re diagnosed, what treatment is available, and how injured workers can protect their claims.
Understanding Wrist Tendons
The wrist contains two major tendon groups:
- Flexor tendons — allow gripping, fist‑making, and wrist flexion
- Extensor tendons — allow lifting, releasing, and wrist extension
These tendons run through narrow sheaths and pulleys that can become inflamed, torn, or irritated during work activities.
See Wrist Injuries.
Common Work Related Causes of Wrist Tendon Injuries
Wrist tendon injuries are strongly associated with:
- Repetitive gripping
- Heavy lifting
- Tool vibration (drills, grinders, jackhammers)
- Forceful grasping
- Twisting injuries
- Direct blows
- Overuse in assembly or manufacturing work
- Awkward wrist positioning
- Sudden pulling injuries
These mechanisms are fully consistent with compensable injuries under Texas workers’ compensation.
Types of Wrist Tendon Injuries
1. Flexor Tendon Injuries
Flexor tendons allow workers to grip tools, lift objects, and make a fist. Injury can occur from overuse, sudden trauma, or repetitive strain.
Symptoms
- Pain when gripping
- Difficulty making a fist
- Clicking or catching
- Weak grip strength
- Swelling in the palm or volar wrist
Common Work‑Related Causes
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive gripping
- Tool vibration
- Sudden pulling injuries
2. Extensor Tendon Injuries
Extensor tendons allow workers to lift objects, extend the wrist, and release tools.
Symptoms
- Pain on the back of the wrist
- Difficulty lifting or extending the wrist
- Clicking or snapping
- Weakness when releasing grip
Common Work‑Related Causes
- Repetitive lifting
- Direct blows
- Overuse
- Tool vibration
3. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Thumb Tendon Injury)
A common tendon injury involving inflammation of the APL and EPB tendons controlling thumb movement.
Symptoms
- Pain on the thumb‑side of the wrist
- Difficulty lifting or gripping
- Pain when turning keys or opening jars
- Swelling near the radial styloid
See De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
4. Intersection Syndrome
Occurs where wrist extensor tendons cross over each other — common in workers performing repetitive lifting or pulling.
Symptoms
- Pain on the back of the forearm
- Crepitus (“squeaking”)
- Swelling
- Pain with wrist extension
5. Tendon Ruptures
Severe cases may involve partial or complete tendon tears.
Symptoms
- Sudden loss of function
- Inability to extend or flex the wrist
- Visible deformity
- Severe pain
Tendon ruptures often require surgery.
Symptoms of Wrist Tendon Injuries
Workers often report:
- Pain
- Clicking or popping
- Weak grip strength
- Swelling
- Difficulty lifting or carrying
- Pain with gripping or twisting
- Loss of range of motion
Symptoms may worsen with repetitive tasks or vibration exposure.
Diagnosis of Wrist Tendon Injuries
Diagnosis may include:
- Physical Examination
- Ultrasound (excellent for tendon tears and inflammation)
- MRI (useful for complex or disputed cases)
- X‑ray (rules out fractures)
- Grip strength testing
Accurate diagnosis is essential for proving causation and securing treatment.
Recovery Timeline
Typical recovery:
- Mild tendonitis: 2–6 weeks
- Moderate tendon injuries: 1–3 months
- Postsurgical recovery: 3–6 months
Workers performing heavy labor may require extended restrictions.
Complications of Wrist Tendon Injuries
If untreated or undertreated, tendon injuries can lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Tendon rupture
- Loss of grip strength
- Persistent clicking
- Post‑traumatic arthritis
- Permanent impairment
These complications often increase impairment ratings.
Impairment Ratings for Wrist Tendon Injuries
Impairment ratings may be based on:
- Loss of wrist motion
- Grip strength deficits
- Tendon rupture
- Surgical outcomes
- Chronic pain
- Functional limitations
Wrist tendon injuries frequently result in measurable impairment.
Why Insurance Companies Dispute Tendon Injuries
Carriers often argue:
- The injury is “degenerative”
- Symptoms are “intermittent”
- The mechanism was “insufficient”
- The worker had prior wrist pain
- The condition is “not work‑related”
These disputes can be challenged through:
See Aggravation Injuries.
How MLF Legal Proves Tendon Injuries Are Work Related
We assist clients by:
- Proving tendon injuries are caused or aggravated by work
- Challenging “degenerative condition” arguments
- Securing MRIs and ultrasounds
- Fighting for injections or surgery
- Preparing workers for designated doctor exams
- Challenging low impairment ratings
- Winning disputes at BRCs and CCHs
Wrist tendon injuries are winnable — but only with the right evidence and strategy.
The Bottom Line
Wrist tendon injuries are serious and often disabling. If you suffered a tendon injury at work, you need a lawyer who understands the medical issues, the legal standards, and the strategies necessary to win your case.
Call to Action
If you suffered a wrist tendon injury at work, call the Texas Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at MLF Legal today.
📞 214‑357‑1782
We fight for injured workers — not insurance companies.
FAQs: Wrist Tendon Injuries in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Yes. They are compensable if caused or aggravated by work activities.
Moderate to severe cases may require repair or release procedures.
Ultrasound, MRI, and physical exam.
- You can challenge the denial through extent‑of‑injury litigation.
Yes. Loss of motion, weakness, and surgical outcomes often result in measurable impairment.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Next Steps:
1st
Sign up For a Free One-on-One Work Comp Case Evaluation
NEXT LEGAL STEP
Get a Legal Opinion
Contact us today to schedule your personalized one-on-one free phone consultation with one of our dedicated legal professionals. Our experienced Worker’s Comp Lawyers are here to provide the expert legal guidance and support you need throughout the entire process of your case.
We understand the complexities involved in Worker’s Compensation claims and are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the first step toward securing the justice you deserve.
2nd
Download Free E-Books
NEXT LEGAL STEP
Workers' Compensation
Applying for workers compensation can be a challenging process. It involves filing a claim, providing medical documentation, and navigating the approval process. Seeking guidance from a workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and your claim is handled properly.
LET’S GET STARTED
Call MLF Legal today
214-357-1782
Fill out our online form
for a free consultation.
We only get paid if we win your case.