De Quervain Tenosynovitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
De Quervain tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. People with this condition typically experience pain when turning their wrist, grasping objects, or making a fist.
While doctors haven’t identified the exact cause of this condition, certain activities can worsen symptoms. These include:
- Repetitive hand or wrist movements
- Gardening activities
- Playing golf or racket sports
- Lifting babies or young children
The condition is named after the Swiss surgeon who first identified it. Pain management and activity modification are key aspects of treatment for those suffering from this tendon inflammation.
Symptoms
De Quervain tenosynovitis leads to discomfort at the base of the thumb. You might notice swelling in this area and have trouble moving your thumb and wrist when grasping objects. Some people experience a “sticking” feeling when moving their thumb.
Without treatment, the pain may spread into your thumb or forearm. Movement often makes the discomfort worse.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain near the base of your thumb
- Swelling around the thumb base
- Difficulty grasping or pinching objects
- A stopping or catching sensation during thumb movement
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Visit your healthcare provider if you have tried basic home treatments but still have pain or limited function.
Seek medical attention after attempting these steps without improvement.
- Resting your affected thumb
- Applying cold packs to reduce inflammation
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium
Early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and help restore normal thumb function more quickly.
Causes
De Quervain tenosynovitis occurs when the two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become irritated and swollen. This condition has several potential causes. Repetitive hand movements often serve as a significant trigger.
Doing the same motion day after day can irritate the sheath covering these tendons, causing them to thicken and swell. This makes it difficult for the tendons to move smoothly through the tunnel connecting to the thumb base.
Other factors that may lead to this condition include:
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Wrist injuries that lead to the formation of scar tissue, which limits tendon movement.
- Fluid retention, particularly during pregnancy, is due to hormonal changes.
Swollen and thickened tendons restrict movement, causing pain and limited motion in the affected area.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the chance of getting De Quervain tenosynovitis:
- Age range: People between 30 and 50 years old face higher risks than other age groups.
- Gender differences: Women develop this condition more frequently than men.
- Pregnancy: Expectant mothers have increased susceptibility.
- Childcare activities: Repeatedly lifting children, which requires thumb leverage, may trigger symptoms.
- Repetitive movements: Jobs and hobbies requiring frequent hand and wrist motions contribute to their development.
Complications
If left untreated, De Quervain tenosynovitis can lead to several problems that affect daily activities. The most common complications include:
- Reduced wrist mobility – The range of motion in your wrist may become limited.
- Difficulty with hand function – Simple tasks like gripping objects or turning doorknobs become challenging.
- Increased pain – Discomfort may worsen over time without proper treatment.
The condition can interfere with daily activities requiring thumb and wrist movement. Patients who seek timely treatment can usually regain normal hand function, while those who wait may face lasting issues with movement and strength.
