Pain around the thumb side of the wrist can make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult. Turning a key, opening a jar, lifting a child, or even scrolling on your phone may suddenly become uncomfortable. One common cause is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition affecting the tendons that move the thumb.
Although it is often associated with repetitive hand movements, there are usually several factors involved. Identifying these factors is the first step towards reducing pain and preventing the problem from returning.
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
Two tendons run from the forearm into the thumb, helping you lift the thumb away from the hand and extend it. As they pass over the wrist, they travel through a narrow tunnel called a tendon sheath.
In De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, these tendons and their sheath become irritated. As the space becomes tighter, the tendons meet friction, causing pain on thumb movement.
Despite the “-itis” in the name, current evidence suggests that inflammation is not always the primary problem. Instead, the tendon sheath often undergoes thickening and degeneration, making movement more difficult. This is one reason why symptoms can persist if the underlying mechanical causes are not addressed.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop gradually, although they may appear more quickly after an increase in activity.
Common symptoms include pain and tenderness over the thumb side of the wrist and into the base of the thumb. Some people also describe a catching sensation. This is worsened by gripping, pinching, and lifting. Even lifting a pan or kettle may be difficult. Weakness often results from the pain, making it hard to open doors or jars. Sometimes the painful area may also swell.
The condition is particularly common in new parents because of the repetitive lifting involved. It is also seen in people whose work or hobbies involve prolonged gripping, gardening, racquet sports, or repeated use of tools.
Could It Be Something Else?
Pain around the thumb and wrist has several possible causes.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can sometimes be confused with:
- osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb
- wrist sprains
- tendon injuries
- ganglion cysts
- irritation of the superficial radial nerve
A thorough assessment helps identify which structures are responsible for your symptoms and whether further investigation is needed.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Treatment aims to reduce unnecessary strain while allowing the tendon to recover. This may include gentle techniques to improve movement, soft tissue massage or stretching for the surrounding muscles, and advice on modifying aggravating activities without stopping them completely.
Rehabilitation exercises are an important part of recovery. Gradually rebuilding tendon capacity can improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
If symptoms are particularly severe or fail to improve, further medical management such as splinting or injection therapy may be appropriate, and we can advise when referral would be beneficial.
If pain around your thumb or wrist is making everyday activities difficult, make an appointment for an assessment and personalised treatment plan.
