What are the symptoms of de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

This condition affects the tendons that move the thumb as they pass along the wrist. Thumb Pain may spread a short distance up the forearm, and Wrist Pain can increase when lifting a child, opening a jar, turning a key, or making a fist. Swelling or a catching, rubbing feeling may appear over the thumb-side wrist. Repeated thumb and wrist loading can aggravate the tissues, but symptoms can also follow changes in hand use. Similar pain may come from a sprain or another joint problem, so examination helps separate them.

Read [Thumb Pain](/symptoms/thumb-pain/) and [Wrist Pain](/symptoms/wrist-pain/) for related symptoms.

Reduce movements that repeatedly bend the wrist or stretch the thumb, while keeping gentle pain-limited movement. Avoid testing the painful area forcefully. A clinician or hand therapist may recommend a thumb-and-wrist [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) plan, ergonomic changes, and exercises through [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/). Note which tasks trigger symptoms and whether swelling or clicking appears. If symptoms do not settle or interfere with daily care and work, arrange an assessment.

Seek prompt care after a fall, direct blow, sudden loss of thumb movement, or marked swelling. Urgent review is also needed if the hand becomes cold, pale, blue, or unusually numb. Arrange timely assessment for pain that steadily worsens, prevents a secure grip, or does not improve with reduced loading. Depending on findings, treatment may include a [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) or, when symptoms persist despite suitable care, [De Quervain's Release](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/de-quervain-release/).

Ask: Which tendon area is irritated? Should I wear a thumb splint, and during which activities? Which movements should I pause? Could this be a [Repetitive Strain Injury](/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury/)? What improvement should we look for before considering an injection or another treatment?