Two tendons that move the thumb pass through a tight tunnel on the thumb side of the wrist.
When the tunnel lining thickens and the tendons swell, every thumb and wrist movement drags them through friction.It is sometimes called new mother wrist because lifting an infant provokes it so reliably.
Sharp pain on the thumb side of the wrist with lifting, gripping, wringing, or turning a doorknob.Swelling over the area. Pain radiating up the forearm or into the thumb.
Making a fist with the thumb inside and bending the wrist toward the small finger reproduces it sharply.
Common signs
Sharp thumb-side wrist pain
Pain lifting a baby or a pan
Swelling over the thumb side
Pain turning a doorknob
See us sooner if
Pain after a fall on the hand
Numbness in the fingers
De Quervain Tenosynovitis
Causes
Repetitive thumb and wrist motion, lifting an infant or toddler, racquet sports, and hormonal changes in pregnancy and after delivery.Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk.It is more common in women between thirty and fifty.
De Quervain Tenosynovitis
How We Diagnose It
The diagnosis is by exam, with a specific test that reproduces the pain by stretching the tendons.X-rays are taken only to rule out thumb base arthritis, which sits nearby.Ultrasound can confirm tendon sheath thickening when the picture is unclear.New parents are our most frequent De Quervain patients; a splint and an injection resolve most cases. Dr. Frazier, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Peterson operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Orem Community Hospital.
De Quervain Tenosynovitis
Treatment Options
A thumb spica splint, activity changes and anti-inflammatories resolve many cases.
A corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath is highly effective and often curative.Persistent cases are treated with a brief outpatient release of the tunnel roof.
ContactTalk toa real person.Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.
