De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis | Grand Central Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy

Have you experienced pain and swelling near the thumb side of your wrist after increased activity? You may have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This condition is an inflammation of the thumb tendons and the sheaths that cover them. It affects more women than men and generally occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may be caused by repetitive or sustained pinching or gripping, as in using a pen or pulling weeds. It can also be caused by holding heavy objects with the thumb facing up, as in lifting a pot by its handle or caring for a baby. Other causes may include trauma to the side of the wrist, or a cyst.

The tendons that are involved in De Quervain’s tenosynovitis are the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis, which pass through a tunnel near the thumb side of the wrist. Irritation of the tendons and the tunnel can cause swelling, pain and scar tissue. This can limit movement in the thumb and wrist.

Conservative treatment may include resting the tendons in a thumb splint, ultrasound and/or electrical stimulation to heal tissues and improve circulation, cold therapy to decrease pain and swelling, and techniques to reduce scar tissue. Your hand therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen muscles and allow the tendons to glide normally. The therapist can also provide education about changing daily activities to prevent recurrences.

If conservative treatment is not effective, your doctor may inject cortisone to the site of irritation, which usually reduces pain and swelling. In cases of severe or chronic swelling and pain that limits function in the thumb, surgery may be required to release the tunnel covering the tendons. Hand therapy following surgery will focus on exercises of the thumb and wrist, scar management, muscle strengthening and proper body mechanics. Prompt treatment results in quicker improvement and better long-term results.