De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This inflammation occurs when the tendons and their protective sheaths become irritated and swollen, typically due to repetitive hand or wrist movements. The inflammatory response causes the tendon sheaths to thicken, which restricts the smooth gliding of the tendons through the narrow tunnel they pass through. This results in the characteristic pain, swelling, and limited thumb and wrist movement associated with the condition. Understanding the role of inflammation in de Quervain's tenosynovitis is crucial for effective treatment, as many therapies aim to reduce this inflammation to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. You feel pain when you turn your wrist, grasp anything, or make a fist. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon at the base of the thumb. This may be caused by repetitive actions.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms

• Hand numbness
• Thumb pain
• Hand weakness

Treatment

You should visit your primary care physician to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options. You can also reduce pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).