De Quervain tenosynovitis affects the two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
The repetitive movements of the hand can irritate the membrane around the tendons. If the membrane becomes irritated, inflammation can build up in the tendons and the wrist, limiting the movement of the tendons through the small tunnel that connects them to the base of the thumb.
Symptoms:
- Pain near the base of the thumb
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when doing something that involves grasping or pinching
- A snapping or popping feeling in your wrist when you move your thumb.
If the condition goes too long without treatment, the pain may spread farther into the thumb or forearm or both. Moving the thumb and wrist may make the pain worse.
Treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Rest. Use of a splint or a brace
- Applying ice to the affected area
- Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs