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Finkelstein Test: A Key Diagnostic Tool for Thumb and Wrist Pain at Physio360.




INTRODUCTION:

Thumb pain might seem minor—until it stops you from lifting, texting, or even holding a pen. One of the most effective clinical tests for diagnosing De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, a common thumb tendon condition, is the Finkelstein Test. At Physio360, we use this simple yet powerful test to accurately diagnose wrist and thumb conditions and guide our patients toward effective treatment and fast relief.


What Is the Finkelstein Test?

The Finkelstein Test is a physical examination technique used to diagnose De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, specifically the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis.

It’s most commonly performed on individuals experiencing:

  • Pain near the base of the thumb

  • Swelling along the wrist

  • Difficulty gripping or twisting objects

  • Sharp pain when lifting infants, grocery bags, or pans


How Is the Finkelstein Test Performed at Physio360?

At Physio360 Chennai, our trained physiotherapists perform the Finkelstein Test with precision and care:

  1. Patient Position: The patient is asked to extend their arm and make a fist around their thumb (placing the thumb inside the fingers).

  2. Ulnar Deviation: The therapist gently moves the wrist towards the little finger (ulnar deviation).

  3. Observation:

    • A positive Finkelstein Test is when this motion reproduces sharp pain along the thumb side of the wrist—a hallmark sign of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

We also compare the results with the unaffected wrist to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other issues like arthritis, scaphoid injury, or carpal tunnel syndrome.


Why Is the Finkelstein Test Important?

At Physio360, patients frequently visit us for wrist pain, especially those who:

  • Use smartphones excessively

  • Lift babies or groceries repetitively

  • Are engaged in sports like badminton or tennis

  • Work long hours at the computer

This test helps us:

  • Quickly identify the source of pain

  • Avoid unnecessary imaging (in many cases)

  • Plan targeted non-surgical physiotherapy interventions





Conditions Diagnosed Through the Finkelstein Test

✅ De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (most common)❌ May also help differentiate from:

  • Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb

  • Wrist sprains

  • Intersection syndrome


What Happens After a Positive Finkelstein Test?

If you test positive at Physio360, here’s how we help you recover:

1. Pain Management

  • Cold therapy, ultrasound, and TENS

  • Taping techniques or splints to reduce stress on the tendons

2. Manual Therapy

  • Soft tissue release around the wrist and thumb

  • Mobilisation techniques to restore smooth tendon gliding

3. Stretching & Strengthening

  • Thumb extensor and abductor stretches

  • Strength training to improve grip without irritating tendons

4. Ergonomic Corrections

  • Training on wrist-friendly lifting and typing

  • Advice on reducing smartphone strain

5. Gradual Return to Activity

  • We design return-to-work or sport protocols based on your lifestyle





Success Story from Physio360.

One of our patients, a new mother from Chennai, came to Physio360 with intense wrist pain after weeks of lifting her baby. A positive Finkelstein Test confirmed De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. After just five sessions of manual therapy and tendon gliding exercises, her pain reduced significantly, and she was back to caring for her child pain-free, without any medication or injections.


Why Choose Physio360 for Thumb and Wrist Pain?

At Physio360, we don’t just treat pain—we uncover the root cause. Our specialists are trained in clinical orthopaedic testing and evidence-based rehabilitation. Whether you’re a new parent, athlete, office worker, or senior citizen, we provide customised treatment plans that address your specific needs.


Benefits of choosing Physio360:

  • Fast, accurate diagnosis using the Finkelstein Test

  • Non-surgical and drug-free solutions

  • Affordable physiotherapy in Chennai

  • Extended hours and walk-in appointments

  • Friendly and experienced therapists


Final Thoughts

The Finkelstein Test is more than just a thumb twist—it’s a powerful diagnostic tool in the hands of experienced clinicians. At Physio360, we use it as part of a comprehensive evaluation to ensure you get the best care for your wrist and thumb pain.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE :

1.Finkelstein's Test Is Superior to Eichhoff's Test in the Investigation of de Quervain's Diseasehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6103758/.


 
 
 

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