De Quervains Tenosynovitis

De Quervains Syndrome

Patients with De Quervains syndrome have painful tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain is often noted with gripping and patients may find that they drop things. Tendons are the ropes that muscle uses to pull the bone and can be seen on the back of the hand when the fingers are straightened.

Symptoms of De Quervains Syndrome

In De Quervains syndrome, the tunnel where the tendons run narrows due to the thickening of the soft tissue that makes up the tunnel. Often, swelling or a cyst may develop. Hand and thumb motion causes pain, especially with forceful grasping, gripping or twisting.

Treatment for De Quervains Syndrome

There is no clear cause for De Quervains syndrome, however, symptoms can often be treated without surgical intervention. A hand and wrist doctor may recommend a combination of the following treatments:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Steroids
• Rest, ice compression and elevation (RICE)
• Massage therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Splint device