De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It occurs when the two tendons around the base of your thumb become inflamed, leading to swelling and difficulty moving the thumb and wrist. This condition often results from repetitive hand movements, making it common in new parents, gardeners, and others who perform repetitive hand tasks.

Common Symptoms

Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb
Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when grasping or pinching
A “sticking” or “stop-and-go” sensation in the thumb when moving it
Pain that may travel into the forearm
Tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist

New Parent Syndrome: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is sometimes called “mommy thumb” because it frequently affects new parents lifting their babies.
Common in Repetitive Tasks: This condition often affects people who perform repetitive tasks with their hands, such as typing, knitting, or playing musical instruments.
Test for Diagnosis: Finkelstein’s test, where you bend your thumb across your palm and then bend your fingers down over your thumb, can help diagnose this condition as it usually causes pain.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is caused by irritation and inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb, often due to repetitive hand and wrist movements. It can also result from direct injury to the wrist or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis involves a physical examination, review of symptoms, and specific tests such as Finkelstein’s test, where bending the thumb across the palm and closing the fingers over it typically produces pain in the condition.

Treatment options include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, splinting to immobilize the thumb and wrist, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the tendons.

Recovery varies; most patients improve with conservative treatments within a few weeks to months. If surgery is needed, recovery may take several weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.

Preventative measures include avoiding repetitive hand and wrist movements, taking breaks during tasks, and using ergonomic tools to reduce strain on the thumb and wrist.

If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your thumb and wrist, it is important to seek medical advice to prevent further complications and receive appropriate treatment.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Common Symptoms

Our Doctors that Specialize in De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Dr. Mykola J. Bartkiw

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