Thumb Pain

Sometimes our thumb pain happens over time. If repetitive activity makes it worse, it may be a condition called De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Two thumb-side wrist tendons are wrapped in a sheath and usually glide smoothly. Tenosynovitis occurs when these tendons and sheaths swell and hurt, causing pain or squeaking with thumb and wrist movement.

Activities like gardening, knitting, texting, phone use, gaming, golf, and volleyball can trigger it.

You should minimize lifting, grasping, and pinching movements, especially when your wrist is bent toward either side. You may need to find alternate ways to lift children and perform daily tasks for a while.