Pain in your wrist when moving your thumb could indicate several issues, most commonly De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Understanding De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a condition affecting the tendons that control thumb movement. The primary symptom is thumb pain on the wrist's side, sometimes radiating up the forearm. Additional symptoms include:
- Swelling: Noticeable swelling on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Catching or Snapping: A feeling of tendons catching or snapping when you move your thumb.
This condition is often caused by repetitive thumb movements.
Other Possible Causes
While De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a common cause, other issues can also lead to wrist pain when moving the thumb. These could include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Affecting the median nerve in your wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain, sometimes radiating to the thumb.
- Tendinitis or other tendon injuries: Inflammation or injury to other tendons in the wrist and hand.
- Arthritis: Various types of arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the wrist and thumb.
- Fractures or sprains: Injury to the bones or ligaments in the wrist area.
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. They can perform a physical examination and potentially order imaging tests (like X-rays or ultrasounds) to determine the exact cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
