Pain from De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may develop gradually or appear suddenly. The main symptom is pain or tenderness over the wrist joint near the base of the thumb, which may also radiate up the forearm.
Other symptoms include:
- Pain that gets worse with the use of your hand, thumb or wrist
- Pain beginning as an aching sensation and progressing to a point when any movement of the wrist or thumb produces a sharp pain in the affected area
- Numbness along the back of your thumb and index finger
- Swelling near the base of your thumb, where the pain is felt
- A ‘snapping’ sensation or feeling a catch when you move your thumb
- A squeaking sound when the tendons move
If you experience persistent pain with little or no relief from rest, using a cold compress or anti-inflammatory medication, it’s best to speak to your doctor.