What is it?
- It is the inflammation of the tendon sheath of one or both of the two of the muscles that move the thumb (extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus)
What do I look for?
- Pain, tenderness and/or swelling at the base of the thumb, wrist or into the forearm.
- Pain with lifting, bringing your thumb to touch your palm or wrist, grasping objects or during a golf swing.
What causes it?
- Repetitive activities and overuse of the thumb/wrist muscles such as tennis, rowing, lifting, grasping objects or golf.
- Weakness of the thumb muscles.
When do I see a physio?
- Physiotherapists can assess your condition, use a variety of techniques, bracing, electrotherapeutic modalities and provide you with appropriate exercise program. Feel free to ask any of our friendly physios about your problem.
Do I see my doctor?
- If symptoms persist, your doctor may be able to assist with issues such as anti-inflammatory medications. Your physiotherapist will also advise you when you need to see your doctor
For more information, see your local Lifecare practitioner.
Click here to find your closest Lifecare clinic
