Symptoms of hand tendonitis include pain and tenderness in the hand centralized along a tendon. Tendons are usually located near joints, so many patients describe the pain as joint pain. Tendonitis pain typically worsens at night. Also, activity or movement can make the pain worse. Repetitive motion is particularly aggravating for an individual with tendonitis. Because these symptoms can also indicate other hand conditions, like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, patients who find the pain interfering with their everyday activities should seek the help of a physician for an accurate diagnosis. Swelling often accompanies the pain.