Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by tanya

Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

 

Claim For This Common Occupational Injury

 

If you are suffering from a sharp pain in your wrist when you type or even turn a doorknob, you could be showing symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. While the name is a mouthful, this condition is actually a common workplace injury. It is caused by repetitive movements and affects your wrist and thumb.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition and it may be triggered in many different workplace environments. You may be able to claim compensation if workplace negligence was behind this injury.

 If you believe you may have a claim for compensation, then First Personal Injury  may be able to assist.

 

Typical Symptoms of  De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

 

Pain Near the Base of the Thumb

If you feel a nagging or sharp pain right where your thumb meets your wrist, you might be dealing with De Quervain’s. It often starts as a mild discomfort,  but can ramp up to an intense, throbbing pain.

 

Swelling Near the Wrist

Puffiness around your wrist could indicate inflammation. The tendons that control your thumb run through a narrow tunnel, and when they get irritated from overuse, they swell. Unfortunately, as there’s not much room for expansion, all that swelling leads to more discomfort.

 

 A “Catching” or “Snapping” Sensation

Some people describe a weird catching, snapping, or even locking sensation when they move their thumb. It’s as if your tendons are getting stuck and then suddenly releasing.

 

Weakness in the Thumb and Grip

If you find your grip is weaker when you pick up something small, such as a pen or a phone. De Quervain’s can impact your ability to hold onto objects. This is because the pain and inflammation make it hard for your thumb muscles to function properly, leading to a weak, clumsy grip.

 

Difficulty Moving the Thumb and Wrist

Simple motions like pinching, grasping, or twisting your wrist can feel difficult. Whether you’re opening a jar or scrolling through your phone, it may hurt to move your wrist in certain ways.

 

Radiating Pain Up the Forearm

Sometimes, the pain may spread up your forearm, making it feel sore and fatigued. This can be particularly noticeable after a long day of work when your wrist has been overworked for hours.

 

Numbness or Tingling in the Thumb and Index Finger

Although not a common symptom, you may experience a tingling or numb feeling in your thumb and index finger. This happens when the swelling starts to put pressure on nearby nerves, cutting off normal sensation.

 

Increased Pain with Thumb or Wrist Movement

You may find that the more you move your thumb and wrist, the worse it gets. Unlike some injuries where movement helps loosen things up, De Quervain’s tends to worsen, the more you use it. Resting your wrist should provide some relief.

 

Where Does This Happen in the Workplace?

De Quervain’s isn’t something that happens to athletes or musicians and it’s surprisingly common in various workplace environments. If your job involves repetitive wrist movements, you’re at risk. Here are some of the most common workplaces:

 

Office and Computer Work

The repetitive strain of clicking a mouse and typing can add up, especially if your workstation isn’t ergonomic. Many office workers develop wrist and thumb pain due to poor posture, extended computer use, and awkward hand positions.

 

Assembly Line and Factory Work

Workers in manufacturing or packaging industries often perform the same hand movements over and over again. Lifting, gripping, twisting, and using tools repeatedly can put a lot of strain on the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain over time.

 

Healthcare and Nursing

Nurses, doctors, and caregivers frequently lift patients, handle medical equipment, and perform repetitive motions like drawing blood or adjusting IVs. Over time, this strain can result in De Quervain’s symptoms.

 

Construction and Carpentry

Using power tools, hammers, and other equipment requires repetitive hand and wrist motions that can contribute to tendon irritation. Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are all at risk due to the nature of their work.

 

Hair and Cosmetic Industry

Hairdressers spend hours gripping scissors, brushing, and using hairdryers—often in awkward hand positions. This repetitive strain can lead to chronic wrist pain and inflammation.

 

Cashiers and Retail Workers

Scanning items, handling money, and stocking shelves may seem harmless, but these actions require constant thumb and wrist movement. Over a prolonged, this can result in De Quervain’s, especially if there’s a lack of wrist support.

 

Gaming and E-Sports

Even gamers and professional e-sports players can get De Quervain’s. Rapid, repetitive thumb and wrist movements from controllers, keyboards, and mice put gamers at high risk for this type of injury.

 

How to Claim For Compensation

 

De Quervain’s can seriously impact your ability to work and do daily activities. If you’ve developed De Quervain’s tenosynovitis due to your work environment and believe your employer has been negligent, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, including proper training, ergonomic tools, and breaks to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

To make a successful claim, you will need to show that your employer’s negligence led directly to your injury. This may include factors such as ergonomic equipment or proper training on reducing strain with repetitive tasks. A personal Injury lawyer will be able to assess whether you have a claim.

 

In this regard, your next step will be to contact us. At First Personal Industry, we work with expert lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online.