However, if the sheath swells due to inflammation, friction can occur with the tendon causing pain, swelling, and discomfort in your wrist and thumb area. This can interfere with everyday activities such as grasping or holding objects. 

• Overuse: repetitive movements can cause inflammation of the tendon and sheath, leading to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. 
• Injury: injury or trauma such as a direct hit to the thumb can cause the tendon to become inflamed.
• Arthritis: arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, this can lead to inflammation of the tendons and sheath, resulting in De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. 
• Hobbies or sports: activities such as tennis, badminton, carrying or lifting children, and gardening can cause tendons and sheath to become inflamed. 

• Pain or tenderness in your wrist or thumb area
• Swelling or inflammation near the base of your thumb
• Difficulty moving your thumb and wrist
• Snapping sensation when moving your thumb
• Weakness when gripping or holding objects
• Numbness or tingling in your thumb or fingers

This pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time with continuous use of the affected hand.

• Gender: women are more prone to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis than men.
• Pregnant: pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
• Age: individuals between the ages of 30 to 50 are more likely to develop De Quervain’s tenosynovitis than others.
• Hobbies or jobs: activities that involve repetitive thumb and wrist movement will increase your risk of developing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
• Taking care of babies: carrying or lifting babies can put excess strain on your thumb and wrist, increasing your risk of developing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. 
• Medical conditions: certain medical conditions such as arthritis can increase your risk. 

• Physical examination: a physical examination will be performed to check the severity of your condition and confirm if you have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. You may be asked to perform a Finklestein test, which involves bending your thumb across your palm followed by bending your fingers down over your thumb to make a fist. If this causes pain in your wrist, it is likely that you have De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
• Imaging tests: x-rays or an ultrasound may be used to rule-out other causes of thumb and wrist pain. 

If you suspect that you may have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, it is important to consult with an orthopaedist for a proper diagnosis so that you can get the appropriate treatment and prevent further injury.

However, the type of treatment you receive highly depends on the severity of your condition, which can vary between individuals.

Common treatment options for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include:

• Rest: avoid activities that further aggravate your wrist and hand.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Physiotherapy: physiotherapy involves gentle and therapeutic exercises to help strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion.
• Surgery: for severe cases, surgery also known as De Quervain’s release, may be recommended to release the constricted tendons to alleviate pain and improve your mobility.