What Is DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis?

DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition in which a patient feels pain over the wrist joint near the base of the thumb.

The tendons that extend and abduct the thumb are involved and become constricted in a tight tunnel that becomes progressively inflamed from friction and repetitive tendon gliding.

What Causes It?

Frequent and increased use, sometimes overuse of the wrist is the cause of this condition. Often, nursing mothers are affected for the duration that they are caring for their infants.

Signs And Symptoms

Most patients experience pain at the side of the wrist, near the base of the thumb. It usually occurs after recent increased activity involving the wrist and hand. It begins as an aching sensation initially and progresses to a point when any movement of the wrist or thumb produces sharp pain in the affected area. That area of the wrist may become swollen at times.

Treatment

Doctors will first try non-surgical methods of treatment, such as making you wear a splint, prescribing anti-inflammatory medication orally or by giving you an injection of steroids.

When symptoms persist without improvement, surgery may be recommended. The procedure is minor and is performed as a day surgery case.

Surgery is almost always successful and you will regain normal use of your hand upon recovery.

Occasionally, you may require hand therapy after your surgery to regain normal function of your hand.

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