De Quervain’s syndrome refers to swelling of two tendons that go to your thumb.  The extensor pollicis brevis, and the abductor pollicis longus, which run from the forearm to the base of the thumb. This injury is usually linked to repetitive hand and wrist movements and causes pain with gripping, lifting, and bending of the wrist.  A positive Finkelstein’s test is a staple of De Quervain’s syndrome.  Holding your arm out, thumb pointed towards the ceiling, then tuck your thumb into your palm, make a fist and bend the wrist towards the ground.  If this produced sharp pain near the base of your thumb, this may be a positive sign of De Quervain’s, as the tendons and synovial sheaths are being stretched.

Rest, ice and the proper exercises can help reduce the swelling and pain.  A splint may be appropriate to prevent certain wrist movements, and activity modification should be addressed.  Here are Portland Physical Therapy, our therapist will go over each step, to ensure optimum recovery.

Associated Symptoms:

• Wrist/base of thumb pain
• Pain with movement of wrist
• Pain with gripping, lifting.
• Swelling near base of thumb
• Tenderness
• Weakness