De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist from irritation of the thumb tendons.
Overview
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an irritation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It is common in new parents and with repetitive thumb and wrist use, producing pain with gripping and lifting.
Symptoms
- Pain on the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain with gripping, lifting and wrist movement
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- A catching sensation with thumb movement
Causes
- Repetitive thumb and wrist loading (e.g. lifting a baby)
- Sudden increase in hand-intensive activity
- Hormonal changes around pregnancy
Treatment
- Activity modification and thumb spica splinting
- Progressive loading as symptoms settle
- Pain management as an adjunct
- Injection in persistent cases