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Overview
Lifting babies can cause it.
Splints help.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonOngoing pain.
Causes
Caused by overuse.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause pain on thumb side of wrist. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- De Quervain's tenosynovitisSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Irritation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
What you can do at home
- Thumb splint.
- Ice.
Medicines
Injections.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Activities
The exam
A wrist exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Rest.
- Change grip
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.