Thumb and wrist pain affecting your daily life?

Pain around the thumb side of the wrist can make even simple activities surprisingly difficult. Tasks such as lifting a baby, carrying shopping bags, gardening, using a computer mouse or gripping gym equipment may become uncomfortable.

One common cause of this type of pain is De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a condition involving irritation of the tendons that move the thumb as they pass through a tunnel on the thumb side of the wrist.

If you're searching for treatment for De Quervain's tenosynovitis in Canberra, physiotherapy may help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and guide your recovery with an individualised management plan.

What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting two tendons responsible for moving the thumb. When these tendons become irritated, the surrounding tissue can become inflamed and swollen, making thumb and wrist movement painful.

The condition commonly develops gradually but may also occur after increased repetitive use of the hand or wrist.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

• Pain along the thumb side of the wrist

• Pain when gripping or pinching

• Discomfort when lifting children or heavy objects

• Pain opening jars or turning door handles

• Swelling near the base of the thumb

• Reduced grip strength

• Clicking or catching sensations with thumb movement

Symptoms often worsen with repetitive thumb or wrist movements.

What causes De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Several factors may contribute, including:

• Repetitive gripping or pinching activities

• Frequent lifting, particularly lifting infants

• Gardening or DIY work

• Racquet sports

• Increased smartphone or computer use

• Workplace tasks involving repetitive hand movements

Sometimes no single cause is identified, with symptoms developing due to a combination of activity levels, tendon loading and individual factors.

How is De Quervain's tenosynovitis diagnosed?

A physiotherapist will begin with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history and daily activities.

Assessment may include:

• Examining thumb and wrist movement

• Assessing grip strength

• Identifying painful movements

• Performing clinical tests that help reproduce symptoms

• Assessing surrounding joints and muscles

If symptoms suggest another condition or require further investigation, your physiotherapist may recommend discussing additional imaging or medical review with your GP.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy aims to improve hand function, reduce irritation of the affected tendons and help you gradually return to normal activities.

Your management plan may include:

Education

Understanding which activities temporarily aggravate symptoms can help reduce unnecessary irritation while maintaining appropriate movement.

Activity modification

Small adjustments to work, parenting or sporting activities may help reduce excessive stress on the tendons.

Exercise rehabilitation

Individualised exercises may be prescribed to improve:

• Thumb strength

• Wrist stability

• Grip function

• Tendon loading capacity

• Overall upper limb function

Exercises are progressed according to your symptoms and goals.

Hands-on treatment

Where appropriate, your physiotherapist may use manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility or address stiffness contributing to altered movement.

Return to activity planning

Whether your goal is returning to work, caring for young children, gardening or sport, rehabilitation is progressed gradually based on your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will De Quervain's tenosynovitis go away on its own?

Some mild cases may improve with reduced aggravating activities, but ongoing symptoms are worth having assessed. Early management may help reduce persistent irritation and assist with returning to normal activities.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies depending on symptom duration, activity levels and individual circumstances. Your physiotherapist can provide guidance based on your assessment and monitor your progress over time.

Should I stop using my hand completely?

Not usually. Complete rest is rarely necessary. Instead, modifying painful activities while maintaining appropriate movement is often recommended.

Can I still exercise?

In many cases, yes. Your physiotherapist can advise which exercises or activities are appropriate while your wrist recovers.

When should you see a physiotherapist?

Consider booking an assessment if:

• Wrist pain has lasted more than a few weeks

• Pain is affecting work or daily tasks

• You struggle to grip or lift objects

• Thumb movement is becoming increasingly painful

• Symptoms continue despite reducing aggravating activities

Early assessment can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate management.

Physiotherapy for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis in Canberra

At Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we assess a wide range of wrist, thumb and hand conditions for people across Belconnen, Bruce, Kaleen, Macquarie, Lawson, Gungahlin and the wider Canberra region.

Every assessment includes a thorough examination, clear explanation of your condition and an individualised management plan based on your goals and lifestyle.

If thumb or wrist pain is making everyday activities difficult, contact Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic on (02) 6251 3487 to arrange an appointment. Our physiotherapists are here to help you understand your condition and support your return to comfortable movement.

Book Online HERE!