A condition causing pain and swelling on the back of the forearm, a few centimetres above the wrist. Early rest, simple exercises and gentle supports often relieve symptoms.
What Is Intersection Syndrome?
Intersection syndrome occurs where two groups of wrist tendons cross each other on the back of your forearm, about 4–6 cm above the wrist. Repetitive wrist motions—especially extension (bending back) combined with thumb movement—irritate the tendons and their sheaths, leading to inflammation, pain and sometimes a squeaking sound when you move.
Who Gets It and Why?
• Repetitive activities: rowing, weightlifting, racket sports, keyboard work.
• Sudden increase in training or workload.
• Poor wrist posture or forceful overuse.
Typical Symptoms
• Dull ache and tenderness on the back of the forearm, just above the wrist.
• Pain worsens with wrist extension and thumb movement.
• Swelling or a noticeable bump at the site.
• Crepitus—a squeaking or crackling sensation when you move your wrist.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your clinician will:
• Take a detailed history of your activities and symptoms.
• Palpate (press) over the painful area to confirm tenderness.
• Ask you to bend your wrist back against gentle resistance to reproduce pain.
• Arrange an ultrasound only if the diagnosis is unclear or symptoms persist despite treatment.
Non-Surgical Management (First-Line)
• Rest and Modify Activities: Reduce or alter the movements that trigger your pain.
• Splint or Brace: Use a wrist splint in neutral position during aggravating tasks or at night.
• Cold Packs: Apply for 10–15 minutes after activity to reduce pain and swelling.
• Pain Relief: Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed, following dosage advice.
• Gentle Exercises: Under therapist guidance—tendon-gliding and controlled wrist stretches.
• Gradual Strengthening: Begin light eccentric loading exercises once pain subsides.
When to Consider Injection or Surgery
• Corticosteroid Injections: May be offered if six weeks of conservative care fails—relieves inflammation but carries a small risk of tendon weakening.• Surgery: Rarely needed. Reserved for persistent symptoms after 3–6 months or if tendon damage is confirmed on imaging. Involves releasing the tight tendon sheath.
Clinical Pearls
• Intersection syndrome pain is felt a few centimetres above the wrist, not at the thumb or wrist crease.
• Early modification of activities and gentle support usually prevent long-term problems.
• Avoid heavy steroid injections directly into tendons without specialist advice.
Patient FAQs
How long will recovery take?
Most people improve within 4–8 weeks of rest, splinting and gentle therapy. Full return to sport or heavy activity may take up to 3 months.
Can I continue low-impact activities?
Yes—once pain eases, you may do low-impact tasks, avoiding the specific motions that flare symptoms.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is very uncommon. Over 90% of patients recover with non-surgical treatment.
Call-to-Action
For exercise videos, downloadable guides and specialist referrals, visit www.TheArmDoc.co.uk. To book a consultation, phone 020 3384 5588 or email Info@TheArmDoc.co.uk.
Evidence & Guidelines
Based on current best practice for tendinopathies and peripheral tendon sheath disorders.
Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional about your specific condition and treatment options.