De Quervain's Tenosynovitis — Pain on the Thumb Side of the Wrist
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If your wrist hurts every time you move your thumb
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a condition in which inflammation develops in the tendon sheaths of two tendons — the Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) and the Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB) — that pass over the radial styloid process on the thumb side of the wrist. Sharp pain occurs when you spread the thumb or tilt the wrist toward the little finger.
Causes and high-risk groups
The main cause is repetitive use of the thumb. Common triggers include smartphone use, holding babies, and wringing out laundry.
- New mothers: Postpartum hormonal changes combined with the posture of holding a baby make this very common.
- Smartphone overuse: Holding the phone with one hand and scrolling with the thumb is a major cause.
- Finkelstein test: Tucking the thumb inside a closed fist and tilting the wrist toward the little finger reproduces sharp pain at the radial styloid.
Korean medicine treatment
Acupuncture promotes blood circulation around the tendon sheath and reduces inflammation. Pharmacopuncture is injected directly into the first dorsal compartment to reduce swelling, and a thumb spica splint reduces friction on the sheath.
- Acupuncture: Stimulates points such as Yangxi (LI5) and Hegu (LI4) to improve meridian circulation on the thumb side
- Pharmacopuncture: Direct injection into the tendon sheath for rapid anti-inflammatory effect
- Thumb spica splint: Restricts excessive thumb movement to minimize sheath irritation
- Taping: Sports tape partially limits excessive movement of the thumb and wrist
Daily care
When using a smartphone, hold it with both hands and scroll with the index finger instead of the thumb. When holding a baby, support the weight with the entire forearm rather than the wrist. Because tenosynovitis easily recurs unless the causative motion is corrected, changes in daily habits are as important as treatment itself.