deQuervain's Tenosynovitis
What is deQuervain's Tenosynovitis?
deQuervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist: the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). These tendons run through a narrow fibrous compartment. When the tendon sheaths become inflamed or thickened, movement produces pain and resistance.
The condition is particularly common in new parents (often referred to as 'mummy's thumb') due to the repetitive lifting and carrying of infants. It is also prevalent in manual workers, musicians and racquet sport players. Early specialist management gives the best outcomes and helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
What causes deQuervain's Tenosynovitis?
- Repetitive thumb and wrist movements, particularly lifting
- New parenthood: repeated lifting of infants is a very common trigger
- Racquet sports, golf and other activities requiring strong thumb and wrist control
- Manual occupations involving sustained gripping and pinching
- Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-partum hormonal changes increasing tendon sheath susceptibility
Signs & symptoms
- Pain and tenderness directly over the thumb side of the wrist
- Swelling along the thumb side of the wrist
- A catching or snapping sensation when moving the thumb
- Difficulty with pinching, gripping and lifting activities
- Pain when turning the wrist, such as when opening jars or turning a key
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for deQuervain's Tenosynovitis. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
Ms Razo fit custom orthoses to immobilise the wrist and thumb in a position that rests the inflamed tendon sheaths. Reducing movement allows the acute inflammation to settle, relieving pain and enabling healing.
Detailed advice on modifying provocative activities to reduce repetitive strain on the affected tendons. Ergonomic guidance is also provided.
Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath is often used as a first-line treatment for deQuervain's. Ms Razo provides rehabilitation following injection to address any residual symptoms and restore full thumb and wrist function.
Where surgical release of the first extensor compartment is required, Ms Razo provides specialist post-operative Hand Therapy including wound care, scar management as well as progressive restoration of wrist and thumb strength.
Frequently asked questions
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Mild cases may improve with rest and activity modification, but deQuervain's often persists without treatment. Specialist Hand Therapy management significantly accelerates recovery and reduces the risk of the condition becoming chronic.
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Yes. With appropriate technique modification and a splint, most new parents can continue their normal caregiving activities while managing deQuervain's. Ms Razo will advise techniques that reduce strain on the affected tendons.
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With non-operative management, most patients see significant improvement within 6–12 weeks.
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No. The majority of cases respond to non-operative management without surgery. Surgery is reserved for cases that fail to respond to first-line treatment.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.