Hi,

Early last year I noticed an aching and stiffness in my left wrist (the inner side) and thumb, especially after lifting heavy things. The trouble is my muscles automatically tense up too much when carrying most items, even more so in public as i'm very self-conscious. (I work in a supermarket and have to lift things quite a lot. It's really not the right job for me as I've never been that strong and my hands and wrists are tiny.) I can't remember one event in particular that caused it.

The pain comes and goes but never completely. For example, If i tried to do push ups I don't think i'd be able to as putting weight on it at that angle is when it hurts the most.

I'm starting to wonder if my wrist will ever feel normal again. From what i've read so far, the symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis seem to be similar to mine. Do you think so?

The best thing would be to see a doctor if you are really concerned and if it is getting worse. The doctor can help diagnose what is going on as well as offer different types of treatments.

Saw the doctor yesterday. She's given me a rheumatic cream and is arranging for me to have a splint wrist brace fitted. I had thought they were for more serious problems and that she'd just recommend an elasticated support but she didn't seem to have much faith in those. I'm a bit worried that it will get in the way when i'm working cuz i notice little things too much sometimes.