De Quervain's tenosynovitis

De Quervain's is irritation of the tendons that lift the thumb in a tight first dorsal compartment at the wrist. Lifting a child, texting, or repetitive thumb use often flares it.

What it feels like

Pain sits at the thumb side of the wrist and can radiate into the thumb or forearm.

Picking up a child, turning a key, or moving the thumb away from the palm commonly hurts.

Local swelling and tenderness over the radial wrist are typical.

What is going on

The abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons share a sheath that can become thickened and painful.

Repetitive thumb radial deviation and lifting with the thumb outstretched are common triggers.

CMC thumb arthritis and radial sensory nerve irritation can mimic or coexist.

How we evaluate

Finkelstein or Eichhoff-type maneuvers and precise palpation usually confirm the clinical diagnosis.

We examine the thumb CMC joint so basal joint arthritis is not missed.

Ultrasound can help when injection guidance or an unclear soft-tissue picture is needed.

What we may offer

Thumb spica style relative rest, activity redesign, and guided rehab are first steps.

Image-guided or carefully placed corticosteroid injection into the first compartment helps many people.

Persistent cases after rehab and injection may lead to surgical release discussion.

Why is it called mommy wrist?

New parents often flare it with repetitive lifting of an infant, but anyone with similar thumb load can get it.

Will a brace fix it?

Splinting reduces aggravation for many people, especially when paired with load changes and a short rehab plan.

Is this the same as carpal tunnel?

No. Carpal tunnel is median nerve symptoms in the fingers. De Quervain's is tendon pain at the thumb side of the wrist.

Do I need an MRI?

Usually not. Clinical exam is often enough.