Home / Conditions / De Quervain's — thumb-side wrist pain

De Quervain's — thumb-side wrist pain

Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, worst when lifting with the thumb out — classically when lifting a baby. It is a tendon sheath problem, and it responds well to treatment.

Do not wait for an appointment

These suggest something else.

  • Pain at the base of the thumb joint itself rather than the wrist
  • Swelling, redness or fever
  • Numbness in the thumb and fingers
  • Pain after a fall onto the hand — this can be a scaphoid fracture
Sheet 21 · Thumb and wrist exercisesHand & wristOften settles in 6–12 weeks with a splint

Do this

  • A thumb spica splint, worn consistently for several weeks
  • Change how you lift a baby — under the bottom and back rather than under the arms with thumbs out
  • Stretches on Sheet 21 once the acute pain eases
  • Simple painkillers and ice over the tender spot

Avoid this

  • Continuing the lifting technique that caused it
  • Expecting the splint to work if it is only worn occasionally
  • Paying for a scan

The questions everybody asks

Why did this start after my baby was born?

It is extremely common then — the lifting position plus hormonal changes around childbirth.

It is not a sign that anything is wrong with you, and it usually settles.

Does an injection work?

Yes — this is one of the places where it works well.

A steroid injection into the tendon sheath settles it in most people. Unlike tennis elbow, the evidence supports it.

Will I need surgery?

Only a minority.

Release of the sheath is a small, effective operation for those who do not settle with a splint and injection.

Open the exercise sheet

Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

For anything you are unsure about, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Closed on Sunday. Urgent injury such as a fracture or dislocation? Please call first.

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Closed on Sunday. Urgent injury such as a fracture or dislocation? Please call first.

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.