De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen with continued thumb use. You may experience:

• Sharp pain at the base of your thumb that worsens with movement
• Swelling and tenderness on the thumb side of your wrist
• Difficulty gripping objects or making a fist
• Pain that radiates from your thumb up your forearm
• “Catching” or “sticking” sensation when moving your thumb
• Increased pain when pinching, grasping, or twisting motions
• Visible swelling or a small bump near your wrist

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed from repetitive thumb and wrist movements or direct injury. Common causes include repetitive gripping, pinching, or wringing motions that irritate the tendon sheath.

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are between ages 30-50, especially women
• Care for young children (frequent lifting and carrying)
• Work with repetitive hand motions (typing, assembly work)
• Play sports requiring grip strength (golf, tennis, rowing)
• Have rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions
• Are pregnant or recently gave birth (hormonal changes)
• Use smartphones or gaming devices extensively

Our orthopedic specialists at Synergy Health Partners use several methods to accurately diagnose De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. During your appointment, we’ll perform a comprehensive physical examination, including the Finkelstein test – a simple maneuver where you make a fist with your thumb tucked inside and bend your wrist toward your pinky finger.

While imaging isn’t always necessary, we may recommend ultrasound or MRI to rule out other conditions or assess the severity of tendon inflammation. Our in-house imaging capabilities allow for quick, accurate diagnosis so we can begin your treatment plan immediately.

Don’t ignore persistent thumb and wrist pain. Schedule an appointment with our orthopedic team if you experience:

• Thumb pain that persists for more than a few days
• Swelling at the base of your thumb that doesn’t improve with rest
• Difficulty performing daily activities like opening jars or turning doorknobs
• Pain that worsens despite over-the-counter medications
• Numbness or tingling in your thumb or fingers
• Visible deformity or significant swelling

Early treatment typically leads to better outcomes and can prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Our team can develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to pain-free activities quickly.