De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a condition where the tendons in your wrist swell and cause pain and tenderness. It affects your tendons, which act as levers and are attached to the bone. These tendons covered by a layer of tissue covers these tendons which allows them to move around easily. However, you may experience friction and pain if your tendons swell, particularly down the side of your wrist that your thumb is on.

De Quervain’s is often the result of repetitive use of the wrist and thumb. If your job requires you to use your wrists and thumbs repeatedly, a splint may help to provide support.

You may be more susceptible to De Quervain’s if:

You are over 40
You are female
You suffer with rheumatoid arthritis
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You have a previous wrist injury
You suffer with rheumatoid arthritis

There are a number of symptoms associated with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, the main being pain in your thumb and on that side of your wrist. You may also suffer with the following:

Increased pain when using the thumb or wrists, especially when lifting, grasping or twisting
Swelling
Cysts
Pain that radiates up the forearm
A snapping or clicking feeling in the thumb

In some cases, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis will disappear by itself, however you may need to see your GP or consultant if the pain goes on for a prolonged amount of time.

Diagnosis

If you decide to contact your GP or a consultant, they will be able to carry out a small test which involves bending your thumb into your palm and then closing your fingers over it. You will then be asked to bend your wrist in the direction of your little finger. This simple motion will help your doctor determine whether you have De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis if you feel pain when doing the test.

Non-surgical treatments

There are some simple solutions that may help to reduce the pain you are experiencing from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, including applying a hot or cold compress and taking an over the counter inflammatory such as ibuprofen. You should try to rest your wrist as much as possible and avoid putting any unnecessary stress on it, for example carrying shopping bags.

You may also choose to:

Use a splint 24 hours a day to rest and support the area
Have a steroid injection such as cortisone into the base of your thumb, which can help to ease the pain and swelling. However, it is important to note that you may need several injections over time if the pain does not subside, and further injections may not be as effective as the first one
You may find it helpful to see a physio or occupational therapist who can teach you different techniques and motions that will reduce unnecessary stress on the affected area and strengthen the muscle

Surgical treatments

If non-surgical treatments do not have the desired effect and you are still experiencing pain, you may need to have a more invasive treatment. At North West Hand Clinic, we will discuss the options available to you and which are best suited to your condition.

If surgery is required, the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and is usually performed under local anaesthetic. The surgeon will make a small incision in your hand that will allow the tendons to release and move around more freely, which in return alleviates the swelling and pain.

Your recovery

You should be able to go home the same day as your surgery, and you will need to keep your hand elevated and in a bandage or splint, and ensure that you keep moving your fingers gently to avoid stiffness and pain further down the line. Your surgeon will make a follow up appointment to see you in clinic and to review your progress approximately two weeks after surgery. It may be necessary for you to see a hand therapist for further physical therapy on the area, however your surgeon will discuss your options with you and whether this is required.

Most people are fully healed and back to normal activities within six to twelve weeks. After this, you should be able to use your hand relatively normally.

Whatever your hand or wrist condition is, we can help.

Mr Randeep Mohil provides clinics across Lancashire and Cheshire.

Please call us on 01625 466158 or email info@northwesthandsurgeon.co.uk

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Lancashire Clinics

The Beardwood Hospital, Blackburn
Clinic days: Monday evenings (alternate) and Thursday mornings
Website: The Beardwood Hospital
Ramsay Fulwood Hospital, Preston
Clinic days: Monday and Tuesday evenings (alternate)
Website: Ramsay Fulwood Hall

Ramsay Euxton Hall Hospital, Chorley Clinic days: Tuesday evenings (alternate) Website:Ramsay Euxton Hall

Cheshire Clinic, Northwich Clinic days: Friday morning (alternate) Website: The Cheshire Clinic

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De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Diagnosis

Non-surgical treatments

You may also choose to:

Surgical treatments

Your recovery

Whatever your hand or wrist condition is, we can help.

Get in touch