Do I Have De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Do you have pain near the base of your thumb?

Do you have swelling near the base of your thumb?

Do you have swelling and pain on the side of your wrist?

Do you have difficulty moving your thumb and wrist when you're doing something that involves grasping or pinching?

Do you have a "catching" or "snapping" sensation when moving your thumb?

Do you feel pain in your wrist that spreads towards the forearm?

Does your pain worsen when you use your hand and thumb (especially when you grip objects tightly or twist your wrist)?

Do you have a job or a hobby that involves repetitive hand and wrist motions (gardening or racket sports)?

Are you a woman over 40 or a pregnant woman?

Do you have arthritis or a wrist injury?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful medical condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons at the base on the thumb. Tendons are rope-like structures that connect muscles to bones. Two tendons extend from the wrist to the thumb passing through a fibrous tunnel called the sheath. Each tendon is covered with a soft layer of tissue that allows it to slide easily through the sheath during the movement of the thumb or wrist. The swelling of the tendons will cause increased friction and pain along the thumb side of the wrist.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a medical condition that refers to inflammation of the two tendons that are involved in moving the thumb. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is often related to chronic overuse of the wrist, pregnancy and rheumatoid disease. It is more common in women than in men. The main symptoms are pain and swelling at the bottom of the thumb that gets worse every time you try to grab something with your hand. To make a diagnosis of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, your doctor will examine your hand and perform a Finkelstein test.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation of the tendons in your wrist. Most commonly, the inflammation affects the wrist of your dominant arm. This condition is common in women over the age of 40, in people who have injured their wrists, and in people whose job or hobby involves repetitive hand and wrist movements. The treatment goal is to relieve the pain and swelling. Treatment may include rest, use of a splint, anti-inflammatory medications and injections of corticosteroids. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery.