De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Definition

De Quervain tenosynovitis is a painful irritation of the tendons that run from the wrist to the thumb. These tendons pass through a tunnel-like tissue at the wrist. It can put more pressure on the tendons and make them hard to move.

De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The exact cause it not known. It may be due to injury, such as repetitive motion or a direct blow to the area.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women who are over 40 years of age. It is also more common during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Some activities may raise your risk, such as:

• Sports, such as cross-country skiing
• Repeatedly lifting a baby, young child, or pet
• Certain jobs, such as those that involve using a hammer or similar tool

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Pain at the base of the thumb and sometimes along the forearm
• Pain when using the hand and thumb, such as when grabbing or twisting items
• Swelling or a fluid-filled cyst over the thumb side of the wrist
• A snapping or catching feeling when moving the thumb

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your hand and arm. You will be asked to move your fingers and wrists. This is all that is needed for diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease pain and promote movement. This may be done with:

• Limiting activities
• A splint to help rest the area
• Medicine to ease pain and swelling
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve function

Surgery

Surgery may be done if other methods do not help. The surgery will open the tunnel so the tendons can move freely.

Prevention

There are no guidelines to lower the risk of this problem.