General Information About De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a condition where the tendon cords (ligaments) that lift the thumb and pull it outward become swollen and compressed as they rub within the narrow tunnel they pass through.
It is called this because constantly carrying a newborn baby and holding the thumb taut in an open position for long periods while breastfeeding makes this condition very common among new mothers.
Tenderness and swelling on the outer side of the wrist near the base of the thumb, and a severe, stabbing pain when trying to bend the thumb to grasp something (like opening a jar or wringing out a cloth).
It is a simple maneuver performed by the doctor in the clinic for diagnosis: You make a fist with your thumb tucked inside your fingers, and then bend your wrist toward your pinky finger. If there is a very sharp pain at the base of the thumb, the test is positive.
The first step is completely resting the area for 3-4 weeks by wearing a special wrist splint that also immobilizes the thumb. NSAID (painkiller) creams or pills are used to reduce swelling.
In stubborn cases that do not respond to splinting, a local cortisone injection is administered into the tunnel, curing the vast majority of patients. In recurrent cases, the roof of the tunnel is opened with a small incision under local anesthesia, completely releasing the tendons.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
