De Quervain's

Pain on the thumb side of the wrist can make lifting, gripping and everyday activities surprisingly difficult. One common cause is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a painful condition affecting the tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist.

At Bristol Joint Injections, we assess De Quervain’s and offer corticosteroid injection when clinically appropriate.

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What is De Quervain's?

Two of the tendons that move the thumb pass through a small tunnel on the thumb side of the wrist. In De Quervain’s, these tendons and the tissue around them become irritated, making movement through the tunnel painful.

Common symptoms include:​

• Typical symptoms include:

• Pain on the thumb side of the wrist

• Tenderness over the affected tendons

• Pain when gripping or pinching

• Pain when lifting or carrying

• Pain with certain thumb movements

• Swelling around the thumb side of the wrist

• Occasionally clicking or catching
  
  The pain can sometimes extend from the wrist towards the thumb or further up the forearm.

What causes De Quervain's?

There is not always an obvious cause.

Symptoms can be aggravated by repeated gripping, lifting and movements involving the thumb and wrist. De Quervain’s is also commonly seen during pregnancy and after having a baby.

Treatment

Initial treatment can include modifying aggravating activities and using a splint that supports both the thumb and wrist. When symptoms persist, a corticosteroid injection can be considered.

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Medical Resource: 

For further clinical guidelines on De Quervain's, view the official NHS De Quervain's Resource

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