deQuervain’s Tendonitis

What is deQuervain’s tendonitis?
deQuervain’s tendonitis is a condition that affects the tendons located on the radial thumb side of the wrist. When the tendon becomes irritated, swelling occurs around the lining of the tendon, causing it to change shape and making movement difficult. The result is pain and tenderness along the wrist, common with forming a fist, gripping, grasping or turning the wrist.

What are the signs and symptoms?
The main symptom of deQuervain’s tendonitis is pain over the radial side of the wrist. The pain can be gradual or sudden and may travel from the wrist to the forearm. The pain will usually worsen with the use of the hand and may be accompanied by swelling on the thumb side of the wrist, which may lead to numbness on the back of the thumb and index finger.

How is deQuervain’s tendonitis diagnosed?
A test called the Finkelstein may be performed, during which you’ll be asked to make a fist with the thumb tucked under the fingers and then bend your wrist toward your little finger. If you have deQuervain’s tendonitis, this test is very painful and there may be tenderness directly over the tendons on the radial side of the wrist.

How is deQuervain’s tendonitis treated?
Your physician may recommend resting the wrist in order to reduce the swelling. You may be advised to wear a splint to help rest the thumb. Your physician may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication or an injection to help reduce the pain and swelling. However, if the symptoms do not improve or become severe, you may be a candidate for hand surgery. Your surgeon will make more room for your tendon to move through your wrist and function without irritation. Your hand surgeon will be able to advise you of your best treatment options.

Occasionally, therapy is required following hand surgery to regain better use of the hand. The Rehabilitation department at The Centre for Working Hands is staffed by highly skilled, professionally trained therapists who offer a unique variety of treatment options to help patients return to their normal routines as quickly and comfortably as possible, including the Graston™ Technique, a conservative measure prior to surgery.

Please contact our reconstructive surgeons to schedule a consultation about hand injuries. The Centre for Working Hands offers the latest treatments for deQuervain’s tendonitis to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area.

800.909.2992 - Email Us