Sports medicine
overuse Injuries and recovery
Gamer’s thumb
Understanding gamer’s thumb: causes, symptoms, and treatment options
What is gamer’s thumb?
Medically known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, this is a common repetitive-strain condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.1,2
Who it affects?
While the condition typically affects adults aged 40–50, it is increasingly recognised among people who spend long periods using gaming controllers, smartphones, or handheld devices.3–5
How it occurs?
Repetitive thumb movements – such as scrolling, tapping, or gripping – place continuous stress on the wrist tendons.2 Over time, this cumulative strain can lead to the pain, swelling, and limited mobility that define the condition.2,6
What happens in gamer’s thumb?
Healthy abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons glide smoothly within a lubricated tunnel, called the first dorsal compartment.7 With repetitive thumb or wrist use, this glide can become restricted. Research has shown that:
- The tendon or tendon sheath may thicken, reducing space in the compartment and limiting smooth tendon movement3,7
- Repetitive motion can contribute to cumulative microtrauma, recognised as a common contributor to De Quervain’s symptoms2
- Pain develops along the thumb side of the wrist, especially when forming a fist, gripping, turning the wrist, or lifting with the thumb pointed upward5
These changes can make everyday thumb movements uncomfortable, particularly during gaming, typing, or texting.
Causes and risk factors
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis results from repetitive mechanical stress and local inflammation. Common contributors include:
- Frequent thumb use during gaming, texting, or scrolling, particularly in users who send >50 messages per day or use handheld devices for extended periods2,3
- Occupational activities involving gripping, pinching, lifting, or twisting motions2,5,6
- Pregnancy and postpartum activities which may be related to hormonal fluctuations and/or mechanical factors (e.g. repetitive lifting of children)6
- Inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis5
Symptoms
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may develop gradually.5,9 Common signs include:
- Pain and tenderness near the base of the thumb (over the radial styloid)3,4
- Swelling or thickening along the affected tendons3,5
- A catching, grinding or “popping” sensation when moving the thumb8
- Weakness or cramping during gripping or controller use8
Treatment and management options
Treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore tendon mobility.1,8,9
Conservative approaches
- Rest and activity modification to reduce mechanical stress1,8,9
- Splinting of the wrist and thumb to limit movement and reduce strain1,3,8,9
- Physical therapy incorporating gentle stretching and strengthening8
- Laser or therapeutic ultrasound therapy, although evidence remains limited3
Medication and injections
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may assist in the temporary management of discomfort associated with the condition5
- Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary benefit but repeated use can weaken tendons5,7,8
- Hyaluronic acid injections have been studied for their ability to supplement the tendon’s natural lubrication, which may help manage symptoms and support smoother tendon movement during activity11
Most patients recover with conservative management; surgery is considered only for severe or persistent cases.1,5
Our treatment and expertise
For over 25 years, TRB has advanced the use of hyaluronic acid in musculoskeletal care.
When applied around the affected tendons, hyaluronic acid creates a physiological environment that supports recovery:1,11,12
- Reduces friction: By improving gliding between tendon fibres, hyaluronic acid helps reduce the formation of adhesions and physical restrictions
- Supports repair: It promotes the natural cellular activity associated with the tendon healing process
Discover more about hyaluronic acid – the naturally occurring molecule behind our tendon and joint care solutions.
Learn moreReferences
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Orlandi D, Corazza A, Silvestri E, et al. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous injection to treat De Quervain’s disease. Eur Radiol. 2015;25(5):1512-1519.
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Ali M, Rathore FA, Newby N. Association between SMS texting and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2014;26(4):624-627.
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Yaghmour KM, Ozpembe ME, Edwards DS. The impact of handheld devices on the wrist and thumb: a systematic review. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2025;35:312.
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Walkinshaw E. Thumbs up and down. CMAJ. 2011;183(11):E711-E712.
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OrthoInfo. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/de-quervains-tendinosis (accessed December 2025).
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Ramchandani J, Thakker A, Tharmaraja T. Time to reconsider occupation-induced De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: An updated review of risk factors. Orthop Rev. 2022;14(3):38-45.
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American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Gamer’s/Texter’s Thumb: What Is It? 2025. Available at: https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/gamers-texters-thumb (accessed November 2025).
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Satteson E, Tannan SC. De Quervain Tenosynovitis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
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Walker-Bone K, Palmer KT, Reading I, Cooper C. Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb in the general population. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;51(4):642-651.
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NHS. Thumb pain. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/hand-pain/thumb-pain/ (accessed November 2025).
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Kaux JF, Samson A, Crielaard JM. Hyaluronic acid and tendon lesions. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2016;5(4):264-269.
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Ostenil® Tendon IFU. Available at: https://www.trbchemedica.de/mediathek/ostenil-tendon-beipackzettel-ifu-mdr/ (accessed December 2025).