Wrist pain or pain at the base of the thumb, wrist tendon sheath inflammation, take your hand to see a doctor immediately
Wrist pain or discomfort is commonly found nowadays, especially among people who frequently use their wrists repetitively, such as office workers, athletes who heavily use their wrists, combined with daily life habits involving extensive use of mobile phones, causing the wrist to be in awkward positions for prolonged periods. This leads to chronic pain and can result in inflammation of the wrist tendons and tendon sheaths (De Quervain’s disease). For anyone experiencing this problem, promptly take your hand to see a doctor for diagnosis to identify the cause, so that prevention and targeted treatment can be provided.
Table of Contents
- What is wrist tendon sheath inflammation?
- Pain and discomfort in the wrist at the base of the thumb
- Causes of wrist tendon inflammation
- Symptoms that require seeing a doctor
- Risk factors for wrist tendon inflammation
- Treatment for wrist tendon inflammation
- How to know when it’s time for wrist surgery
- Prevention of wrist tendon and tendon sheath inflammation
What is wrist tendon sheath inflammation?
Wrist tendon sheath inflammation (De Quervain’s disease) is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath and tendons at the wrist near the base of the thumb, resulting in pain and swelling in that area.
Pain and discomfort in the wrist at the base of the thumb
Pain and discomfort in the wrist at the base of the thumb worsen when twisting the wrist, gripping objects, making a fist, or picking up items. In severe cases, the pain may be so intense that objects slip from the hand. These symptoms may be caused by inflammation of the wrist tendons near the base of the thumb.
Causes of wrist tendon inflammation
- The anatomical structure of the wrist at the base of the thumb includes tendons responsible for extending and abducting the thumb, which pass through a small tunnel in the wrist on the thumb side.
- Repeated use of the thumb in gripping objects, especially heavy items, combined with wrist bending or twisting, such as gardening, playing golf, badminton, tennis, or carrying a child, may cause this inflammation.
- When inflammation occurs, swelling of the tendons and the tunnel walls happens, increasing friction between the tendons and the tunnel, which further worsens the inflammation. The pain varies according to the inflammation process.
Symptoms that require seeing a doctor
Inflammation of the wrist tendons and tendon sheaths causes pain, discomfort, and swelling at the wrist near the base of the thumb. The pain intensifies when moving, twisting the wrist, or making a fist. Pain worsens when bending the wrist toward the little finger. In severe inflammation, tendon catching or snapping may be felt when trying to extend the thumb or bend the wrist toward the thumb side. Without treatment, symptoms worsen, and sometimes the pain is so severe that objects slip from the hand without notice.
Risk factors for wrist tendon inflammation
- Age Commonly occurs between 30-50 years old
- Gender More common in females than males
- Pregnancy Frequently found in pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Childcare Repeatedly carrying a child using the thumb to bear weight may lead to wrist tendon inflammation
- Repetitive work That requires using the hands and wrists to bear weight may be a significant cause of wrist tendon inflammation
Treatment for wrist tendon inflammation
- Wrist brace Helps reduce inflammation and pain; should be worn at night or during work
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Help reduce pain and inflammation; can be taken orally or applied topically to the painful area
- Adjusting work posture Helps reduce injury and should avoid repetitive tasks
- Local steroid injection Used when other methods are ineffective; injected into the inflamed area with about 50-80% effectiveness but not recommended more than twice due to potential permanent tendon damage
- Surgery Used when other treatments fail; generally performed under local anesthesia without hospitalization. The incision is about 1 centimeter long. After surgery, light hand use is allowed, stitches can be removed after 10-14 days, and normal hand function can resume.
How to know when it’s time for wrist surgery
If initial treatments do not improve symptoms and pain continues to interfere with daily life, surgery is the treatment option. The surgery involves releasing the tendon sheath tunnel where friction occurs, allowing the tendon to move more freely.
If initial treatment was received and some pain remains but does not interfere with daily life, surgery may not be necessary. The doctor will evaluate each case individually to determine suitability for surgery.
Prevention of wrist tendon and tendon sheath inflammation
The first step in preventing wrist tendon inflammation is to reduce excessive wrist use. If pain or discomfort begins, avoid repetitive use, especially in the same manner. For those who regularly use their wrists, whether using computers, mobile phones, or mothers frequently carrying children, proper wrist positioning should be maintained to reduce stress on the wrist and preserve wrist health long-term.
The wrist is one of the most frequently used joints, consisting of delicate components that support and pull to allow movement in various directions. It is prone to injury, causing pain and discomfort that can interfere with daily life. If pain persists, see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment. Neglecting symptoms may worsen the condition and cause inflammation involving finger tendons, leading to trigger finger. Severe tendon inflammation and swelling may compress nerves, causing pain and numbness in the hand.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adisak Sangpetch
Hand Surgeon, Muscle, Bone, and Joint Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital, 1st Floor
For more information, please contact
Phyathai Call Center 1772
Tel. 0-2467-1111 ext. 3100 and 3112