Thumb-side wrist pain: de Quervain's explained
Why the thumb side of the wrist can become painful, why it is common in new parents, simple self-care, and when to get it checked.
De Quervain's syndrome affects the tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist. The sheath around them becomes thickened and the tendons rub, which makes thumb and wrist movements painful. It is most common between ages 30 and 55 and is particularly seen in people with a young baby.
When to get urgent help
Go to A&E or call 999 if you have any of these. They can be signs of a fracture, infection, blood clot or other emergency.
- A limb that looks deformed, or a joint that you cannot move or put weight on after an injury
- A cold, pale or numb foot or hand after injury
- A hot, red, swollen joint with a high temperature
- A painful, swollen, warm calf, with or without breathlessness or chest pain
What it can feel like
- Pain at the base of the thumb and the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain made worse by gripping with the thumb or moving the wrist sideways
- Swelling, or a firm lump, over the thumb side of the wrist
- Sometimes clicking, grating or snapping with movement
Common contributors
- Long periods of gripping with the wrist bent, or rapid repeated thumb and wrist movements
- Lifting, carrying and feeding a baby. The cause is not fully understood
- A blow to the outside of the wrist
- Often there is no clear reason
General self-care
These are general comfort measures many people find reasonable. They are not a treatment plan, and what suits one person may not suit another.
- Adapt painful activities, change hand and wrist positions, and take regular breaks from gripping tasks
- Use a splint supporting the wrist and thumb. A hand therapist can advise on the right type
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicines can help. Ask a pharmacist or GP what is suitable
- Once pain settles, gradual strengthening of the wrist and thumb as advised by a hand therapist
When to see your GP
See your GP promptly, or call NHS 111, if you have any of the following:
- Pain after a significant injury, fall or twist
- Pain that is constant, severe or getting worse, or wakes you at night
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or feeling generally unwell with limb pain
Consider seeing your GP if:
- Pain is not settling after a couple of weeks of adapting activities
- Pain is affecting your daily tasks or your ability to care for a baby
- You have numbness or tingling in the hand, or swelling that is spreading
Where an osteopath fits in
There is limited good-quality research showing that hands-on treatment changes the course of de Quervain's syndrome, so I do not claim that osteopathy treats it.
What an osteopath can usefully do is examine the wrist, thumb, forearm and neck, advise on positioning and load (including how you hold and lift a baby), and refer you to a hand therapist or your GP if splinting or an injection could help. A hospital trust patient leaflet describes splinting, activity changes and, if needed, a steroid injection. If the assessment suggests you need your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist instead, I will tell you.
If you would like your symptoms assessed, you are welcome to book an appointment. Osteopathic care is not right for everyone, and if something needs medical attention first, I will tell you.
Common questions
Why does my wrist hurt when I pick up my baby?
De Quervain's is more common in people with a young baby, particularly women. A hospital trust leaflet says it is unclear whether hormonal changes after pregnancy or the demands of lifting, carrying and feeding a baby are responsible.
Will de Quervain's go away?
The same leaflet says that for most people symptoms eventually settle with treatment. If self-care is not enough, a steroid injection into the tendon sheath may help, and occasionally a small operation is needed.
Sources and further reading
Links open in a new tab. Sources were checked in October 2026.
Related guides
This page is general information to help you understand common aches and pains. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose your problem. If you are worried about your symptoms, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.