De Quervains
De Quervain's tenosynovitis (duh-kare-VANE ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis) is a painful inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist, causing discomfort when turning, gripping, or making a fist. Although the cause of this condition isn't known, it can be aggravated by any activity that causes repetitive hand or wrist movement.
Ice packs and splints may help settle acute symptoms. First, it is useful to identify the cause (often, repetitive activity such as hammering or playing tennis) so it can be avoided. If this is unsuccessful, or the condition reoccurs, surgery is recommended to open the fibrous tunnel to release the tendons and reduce friction. Splints are used for several weeks after surgery for comfort. The procedure, which has a high rate of success, is minor, taking about 40 minutes and resulting in an inconspicuous scar on the thumb side of the wrist.