DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis

What is DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. If you have de Quervain's tenosynovitis, it will probably hurt when you turn your wrist, grasp anything, or make a fist. Although the exact cause of de Quervain's tenosynovitis isn't known, any activity that relies on repetitive hand or wrist movement — such as working in the garden, playing golf or racket sports, or lifting your baby — can make it worse.

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually involves: • Physical examination of the hand and wrist • Finkelstein test: making a fist with thumb tucked inside fingers, then bending wrist toward little finger • Assessment of pain location and when it occurs • Discussion of activities that worsen symptoms • Generally no imaging tests needed • X-rays only if other conditions suspected

Treatment

Treatment typically includes: • Rest and avoiding activities that cause pain • Splinting the thumb and wrist • Ice application to reduce swelling • NSAIDs for pain and inflammation • Corticosteroid injections into tendon sheath • Physical therapy and hand therapy • Activity modification and ergonomic changes • Surgery (releasing the tendon compartment) if conservative treatment fails • Post-treatment exercises to strengthen and increase flexibility