The Clue in Wrist Pain: What Finkelstein’s Test Reveals

Wrist pain is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience—something that will fade if you “just rest it” or stop typing for a day or two. But, as with many of the body’s signals, pain can be the tip of an iceberg. Small, subtle clues—like discomfort at the base of your thumb—can reveal underlying tendon inflammation that, left unchecked, might significantly impact daily activities. For residents in Sioux Falls, understanding these signals early can make the difference between a few weeks of discomfort and a chronic, nagging condition.

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Understanding Wrist Pain Beyond the Surface

Wrist pain comes in many forms: a dull ache from repetitive typing, a sharp pinch while lifting, or a persistent soreness after sports activity. The tricky part is that the location and timing of the pain often hold the key to understanding its cause. Often, what seems minor—a twinge while texting, a subtle discomfort lifting a coffee cup—can signal a deeper issue in the tendons that stabilize the thumb.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Ignoring wrist pain may seem harmless at first. Yet, repetitive strain and inflammation can escalate into De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition where the tendon sheath on the thumb side of the wrist becomes irritated. Without intervention, simple tasks like gripping a pen or opening a jar can become painful, and recovery may take much longer. That’s why early recognition and testing are critical.

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What Is Finkelstein’s Test?

Finkelstein’s Test is a clinical maneuver designed to isolate the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It helps clinicians determine whether De Quervain’s tenosynovitis—or inflammation of these tendons—is present. While the test has been around for decades, it remains one of the simplest and most reliable indicators for tendon irritation.

Step-by-Step Guide (Safe at Home Observation)

While professional evaluation is always recommended, you can gently observe your wrist at home:

1. Make a fist with your thumb tucked inside your fingers.

2. Slowly bend your wrist toward your little finger.

3. Notice any sharp or shooting pain along the base of your thumb.

A positive response—pain or tenderness—indicates that the tendons may be inflamed. It’s important not to force the motion, as excessive pressure could worsen the condition. For Sioux Falls residents experiencing this pain, a prompt chiropractic evaluation is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and prevent further strain.

What a Positive Test Really Means

When Finkelstein’s Test produces pain, it points to irritation of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons—the very tendons that help your thumb move. Common contributors include repetitive thumb movements (texting, typing, lifting), awkward hand postures, or sudden overuse during activities like lifting heavy objects or playing racquet sports.

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The Role of Chiropractic Care in Wrist Pain

Chiropractic care can help not just by addressing symptoms but by evaluating wrist mechanics, posture, and overall upper extremity alignment. Chiropractors in Sioux Falls often focus on:

• Reducing tendon inflammation through gentle manual therapy.

• Correcting biomechanical imbalances that contribute to strain.

• Educating patients on safe movement patterns and exercises to prevent recurrence.

Exercises and Ergonomic Adjustments

Simple interventions at home or in-office can make a profound difference:

• Thumb and wrist stretches to relieve tendon tightness.

• Strengthening exercises for the surrounding muscles to reduce stress on the tendons.

• Ergonomic adjustments—like keyboard and mouse placement or wrist supports—to reduce repetitive strain during daily activities.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Seek professional evaluation if you notice:

• Swelling or redness at the base of the thumb

• Numbness or tingling

• Significant loss of grip strengthIgnoring these signs can allow tendon irritation to worsen, making treatment longer and more intensive.

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Case Studies: Lessons from Sioux Falls Patients

Take, for example, a patient of mine who developed wrist pain after weeks of heavy lifting at work. A positive Finkelstein’s Test revealed early-stage De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. With a combination of targeted chiropractic adjustments, tendon mobilization, and ergonomic education, the patient experienced relief within two weeks and returned to work without limitations.

Another case involved a graphic designer whose thumb pain seemed minor at first. Early recognition through Finkelstein’s Test allowed for small at-home exercises and chiropractic guidance, preventing what could have become a chronic injury.

These stories illustrate that paying attention to small clues—like thumb discomfort during a simple test—can prevent weeks or months of suffering.

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Takeaways: Listening to Your Body’s Subtle Signals

Wrist pain is rarely just an annoyance. Often, it is a signal that your tendons or joints need attention. Finkelstein’s Test is a simple, effective way to identify tendon irritation and guide treatment. For Sioux Falls residents, early evaluation with a chiropractor can prevent minor issues from becoming chronic problems, while also teaching safe, sustainable movement patterns.

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Next Steps for Sioux Falls Residents

If you’re noticing persistent wrist pain, consider a chiropractic evaluation. Early intervention, guided exercises, and posture corrections can make all the difference. Don’t wait until daily tasks become painful—listen to your body’s subtle clues, act early, and preserve your wrist health for the long term.

Have a wonderful week,

Dr. Lucas Marchand