De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Pain associated with swelling on the thumb side of the wrist is a common presentation of patient’s with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. It may come on spontaneously or after a period of time when the hand has been used to perform different tasks to those normally performed.

What is the cause?

The cause is largely unknown however it is thought to occur as a result of narrowing of the first of the six tunnels in the wrist through which two extensor tendons run. Any activity that relies on repetitive hand movement or holding the wrist in a particular position (ulnar deviation) for a sustained period of time can provoke it.

Treatment

This ranges from a conservative approach which includes avoiding provocative activities, to splintage, steroid injections and in resistant cases surgery.