In which disease might you expect to see decreased thumb movement?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is characterized by inflammation of the tendons that control thumb movement, specifically the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis. This condition often leads to pain and a decrease in the ability to perform delicate movements with the thumb, resulting in decreased thumb movement. Patients commonly report pain in the radial aspect of the wrist that can radiate to the thumb, and activities that involve grasping or pinching can intensify the discomfort.

In contrast, arthritis can affect joint mobility and can be associated with pain and stiffness, but it does not specifically target the tendons responsible for thumb movement. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve and may cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, yet it does not inherently result in decreased movement of the thumb itself. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of various tendons and can cause pain, but it can affect any tendon and does not have a specific association with decreased thumb movement like De Quervain's tenosynovitis does. Therefore, the expectation of decreased thumb movement is most directly linked to De Quervain's tenosynovitis.