Tenosynovitis of the wrist, also referred to as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, is a painful condition caused by an inflammation of the lining of the tendon. Overusing the wrist and thumb causes tendon inflammation. Risk factors for developing tenosynovitis include increased age and being female. New mothers who often pick up newborn babies also have an increased risk of developing the condition. Treatment for tenosynovitis of the wrist includes wearing a splint, taking anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections in the affected tendon.
Pain
The main symptom of tenosynovitis of the wrist is pain. The pain will generally occur in the wrist, at the base of the thumb. The pain may begin to radiate up the forearm or down into the hand along the thumb. The pain of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can occur slowly and increase in intensity or may begin rapidly, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. The pain can increase when moving the wrist or the thumb.
Swelling
Swelling may occur with tenosynovitis of the wrist. The edema occurs along the side of the wrist, close to the thumb. The swelling may cause an individual to have difficulty when moving the wrist or the thumb, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A cyst can form in the same area of the wrist due to the inflammation of the tendon lining.
Altered Sensations
Tenosynovitis of the wrist can cause altered sensations in the wrist and thumb. When moving the wrist or thumb, the affected person can feel a snapping or catching sensation, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Numbness may also occur along the wrist, thumb or the index finger. This numbness is a result of the irritation of a nerve lying near the inflamed tendon lining. The individual may also hear a squeaking sound when moving the wrist as the tendons attempt to move through the lining.
