Extremities & Joints
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, often aggravated by lifting or gripping.
Also called: Thumb-side wrist pain, Mother's thumb.
The tendons running to the thumb pass through a tight sheath at the wrist. Irritation there produces pain with thumb movement and with lifting, and it is common in new parents and in repetitive hand work.
The pain is usually well localized to the base of the thumb and worsens with gripping or twisting motions of the wrist.
Why this matters
Lifting a baby, pouring, and using a phone one-handed are the movements people notice first. These repeated, low-load activities are often the main driver.
Because it is tied to specific hand and wrist positions, adjusting how those tasks are performed is often part of managing it day to day.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Load through the wrist depends on how the shoulder and elbow are positioned, so the whole limb is considered rather than the wrist alone.
Repetitive strain patterns often reflect habits in how the arm is used throughout the day, which is part of what the examination looks at.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.