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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe main signs and symptoms of de Quervain's tenosynovitis are pain and swelling near the base of your thumb. The pain may appear suddenly or may increase over time.
If the condition goes too long without treatment, the pain may spread farther into your thumb, back into your forearm or both. Pinching, grasping and other movements of your thumb and wrist aggravate the pain.
Symptoms of de Quervain's tenosynovitis include:
- Pain near the base of your thumb
- Swelling near the base of your thumb
- A fluid-filled cyst in the same region as the swelling and pain
- Difficulty moving your thumb and wrist when you're doing activities that involve grasping or pinching
- A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in your thumb when trying to move it
- A squeaking sound as the tendons try to move back and forth through the inflamed sheaths
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you're still having problems with pain or function and you've already tried:
- Avoiding repetitive thumb movements whenever possible
- Avoiding pinching with your thumb when moving your wrist from side to side
- Applying cold to the affected area
- Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
If the pain continues to interfere in your daily life or activities, seek medical advice.
- De Quervain's tendinitis (De Quervain's tendinosis). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00007. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Sheon RP, et al. de Quervain's tenosynovitis.http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Brady M. de Quervain's tenosynovitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-3/951902956/2088/183.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00013-7--sc0045_3682. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Ingari JV. Wrist and hand. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-3/951902956/2079/38.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00020-8--s0350_2856. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Wright PE. Stenosing tenosynovitis. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-5/951919611/1584/566.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50076-3--cesec17_4013. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Anderson BC. Evaluation of the patient with thumb pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Amadio PC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 23, 2010.
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