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Last updated: September 28, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Limited Mobility of the Thumb

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: A common condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain and limited mobility of the thumb. It is often caused by repetitive movements or direct injury to the area.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Trigger Thumb: A condition where the thumb tendon becomes inflamed, causing the thumb to catch or lock when extended or flexed, leading to limited mobility.
  • Thumb Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the joints of the thumb, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  • Thumb Sprain: An injury to the ligaments surrounding the thumb joint, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Ganglion Cyst: A non-cancerous lump that can develop on the wrist or thumb, causing pain, numbness, and limited mobility. If left untreated, it can lead to nerve damage or infection.
  • Thumb Fracture: A break in one of the bones of the thumb, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and limited mobility. If not properly diagnosed and treated, it can lead to long-term disability or deformity.
  • Infection (e.g., Cellulitis or Abscess): Bacterial infections that can cause redness, swelling, pain, and limited mobility of the thumb. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis or amputation.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Thumb Tendinosis: A degenerative condition that affects the tendons of the thumb, causing pain and limited mobility.
  • Gamekeeper's Thumb (Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury): A rare injury to the ligament that connects the thumb to the hand, causing pain, instability, and limited mobility.
  • Kienbock's Disease: A rare condition that affects the blood supply to the lunate bone in the wrist, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility of the thumb.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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