Differential Diagnosis of Dorsal Wrist Pain in a Recreational Tennis Player: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Hand-wrist tendinopathies are very common due to repetitive overuse. Intersection syndrome as a differential diagnosis for dorsal wrist pain, characterized by pain localized to the distal dorsal radial wrist, is commonly underdiagnosed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old, right-hand-dominant male tennis player presented with a 5-month history of recurrent right dorsal wrist pain. Symptoms affected daily activities, including childcare and sport. A prior similar episode had resolved with self-treatment. Physical examination findings led to a diagnosis of intersection syndrome. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: The patient was seen 1 time per week for a total of 4 sessions. QuickDASH score improved from 47.73/100 to 0/100. Wrist and hand mobility were restored to normal. He was able to return to tennis at the preinjury level without experiencing any symptoms. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the importance of a thorough physical therapy evaluation for differential diagnosis and initiating timely, targeted conservative treatment when appropriate. Intersection syndrome, though often overlooked, responds well to conservative management strategies. JOSPT Cases 2025;5(4):233-238. Epub 7 October 2025. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2025.0160