What is it?
This condition causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. It happens when the tendons that move your thumb become irritated as they slide through a narrow space at the wrist. This makes everyday thumb and wrist movements painful.
What causes it?
It is usually caused by repetitive thumb or wrist use, especially activities that involve gripping, lifting, twisting, or pinching. It is commonly seen in new parents, people who use tools or keyboards often, and during or after pregnancy.
How it feels
- Pain at the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting
- Swelling or tenderness near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty opening jars or holding objects
What you can do
- Reduce or modify activities that trigger pain
- Avoid repeated gripping or forceful thumb movements
- Use ice to help manage pain and swelling
- Support the wrist and thumb if advised by your physio
- Start gentle thumb and wrist movements as pain allows
How physiotherapy helps
Your physiotherapist will:
- Assess thumb and wrist movement and load tolerance
- Guide activity modification to reduce irritation
- Use hands-on treatment if needed to ease stiffness
- Apply taping or splint
- Prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises
- Help you gradually return to normal hand use safely
Other treatment options
If symptoms do not improve, a doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medication or an injection. Surgery is rarely needed and only considered if conservative treatment fails.
Recovery
With the right care, most people improve over weeks to a few months, especially when activity load is well managed.
Reference:
Satteson E, Tannan SC. De Quervain Tenosynovitis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
