De Quervain's tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis (also known as De Quervain's tendinosis or De Quervain's tendinitis) is a common hand condition where the tendon around the thumb becomes inflamed and painful.

 

The tendons link muscles to bones allowing the bones to move. There are two tendons which join the thumb to the wrist. Normally tendons move easily through a tunnel of tissue called the sheath. However, with De Quervain's, the sheath around the thumb tendons will swell up and thicken causing extra friction when moving the affected thumb or wrist. This makes certain movements in the thumb or wrist painful and difficult.

 

Symptoms of De Quervain's include:

- Pain in the wrist or forearm on the thumb side which worsens when using the wrist

- Swelling

- Snapping/popping sensation in the wrist

- Stiffness

- Numbness

 

De Quervain's can be caused by overusing the wrist, arthritis, impact to the thumb or wrist, sports, lifting young children and using tools. This is more common in women and people over the age of 40. Treatments may include wearing a splint, using ice, rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and exercises. In the most severe cases where other treatments do not relieve symptoms surgery may be needed.The surgery is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon makes a small cut into the sheath around the thumbs tendons to allow more space to move.