Also known as texter's thumb, gamer's thumb or caregiver's wrist

When certain tendons in the thumb become inflamed, you can experience pain. Seen more in adults than children, the condition is sometimes also called “caregiver’s wrist.”

However, activities common among children and teens can lead to this painful condition. 

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What are the signs and symptoms?

  • Gradual or sudden onset of pain, including:
    • Pain when moving or twisting the wrist
    • Pain along the thumb side of the wrist
    • Worsening pain with use of the hand or thumb
    • Pain that travels to the thumb or from the wrist to the forearm
    • Pain or difficulty moving the thumb, especially when grasping or pinching
  • Snapping/popping sensation in the wrist with thumb movement
  • Impaired thumb function
  • Decreased grip function
  • Possible noise with wrist or thumb movement (e.g., pop, creak or crackling)

What causes de Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

  • Repetitive overuse (e.g., texting, typing or knitting)
  • Repetitive activities requiring grip and sideways wrist motion (e.g., skiing, heavy lifting or gaming)
  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Direct wrist injury

Who is at risk? 

Young athletes and adolescents who perform repeated thumb and wrist movements may be at higher risk. This includes activities such as:

  • Texting or prolonged smartphone use
  • Video gaming
  • Playing racquet sports
  • Skiing
  • Weight training
  • Playing musical instruments
  • Other hobbies or sports that involve repetitive gripping or twisting motions

Symptoms often develop gradually over time rather than after a single injury

How is it diagnosed?

In most cases, doctors can diagnose this condition by examining the thumb, wrist and forearm.  

Most doctors use the Finkelstein test which is a series of movements to check for noticeable pain in the wrist/arm, starting from the thumb. 

During the visit, your orthopedic specialist will ask about your child's symptoms, sports, hobbies and daily activities. They will examine the thumb and wrist, checking for tenderness, swelling and pain with certain wrist movements. In most cases, imaging tests such as X-rays are not needed but may occasionally be used to rule out other causes of wrist pain.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the extent of your child’s condition. Surgery is usually the last option and many Connecticut Children's orthopedics and sports medicine specialists recommend:

  • I.C.E. – Rest, ice, compression and elevation
    • Heat may also be used in place of ice
  • Activity modification or restriction
  • Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g., ibuprofen)
  • Splint or brace
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections

Surgery is only necessary in more severe cases if other treatment options do not work. Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan to treat your child’s thumb or wrist pain.