11/03/2026
Thumb Pain While Opening a Bottle or Lifting a Baby? Don’t Ignore It!
Do you feel *pain near the base of your thumb at the wrist, especially while opening jars, lifting a baby, typing on your phone, or gripping objects? This could be a sign of * *De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis* — a painful condition caused by *inflammation of the tendons and tendon sheath on the thumb side of the wrist*.
This condition is common in *new mothers, people who frequently use smartphones, and individuals performing repetitive hand movements*. When the tendons around the thumb become irritated or swollen, simple daily activities can become painful and difficult.
Common Symptoms to Watch For:
* Pain and tenderness at the *base of the thumb
* Swelling on the thumb side of the wrist
* Pain while gripping, pinching, or twisting objects
* Difficulty moving the thumb or wrist
* A snapping or catching sensation* during thumb movement
*Helpful Exercises for Relief:*
(Perform gently and stop if pain increases.)
1️⃣ Thumb Stretch
Gently pull your thumb away from your palm with the opposite hand. Hold for *10–15 seconds* and repeat.
2️⃣ Finkelstein Stretch
Make a fist with your *thumb tucked inside your fingers, then slowly bend your wrist toward the little finger side. Hold for **10 seconds*.
3️⃣ Wrist Side-to-Side Movement
Rest your forearm on a table and slowly move your wrist *left and right* to improve flexibility.
4️⃣ Thumb Lift Exercise
Place your hand flat on a table and slowly *lift your thumb upward, hold for a few seconds, then relax.
Early treatment with *rest, splinting, physiotherapy, medications, and guided exercises* can help relieve pain and prevent the condition from worsening.
Book your consultation today
Dr. Akhilesh Rathi
Orthopaedic Surgeon | Joint Replacement & Sports Injury Specialist
Director – Robotic Joint Replacement, Sports Injuries & Orthopaedics
🩺 20+ Years of Clinical Experience
📞 9250440535
📱 +91 9868807076
📧 [[email protected]]
(mailto:[email protected])
