De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons along the thumb side of your wrist. Irritation and swelling around these tendons may make gripping, pinching, lifting, or moving your thumb uncomfortable. It’s one of several hand and wrist issues that can interfere with everyday tasks when symptoms persist.
Patients experiencing hand or wrist pain can receive orthopedic care in Linden, Clark, and Union, NJ, through Union County Orthopaedic Group. Among the practice’s upper-extremity specialists is Richard P. Mackessy, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with an Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. His subspecialty focus includes hand surgery, shoulder care, and other upper-extremity problems.
What Does De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Feel Like?
The most recognizable symptom is pain near the base of your thumb along the outer wrist. It may start gradually or become noticeable after repeated hand and wrist activity.
You might also notice:
- Tenderness or swelling on the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain when making a fist or gripping an object
- Discomfort when turning your wrist
- A catching or sticking feeling with thumb movement
Tasks such as opening a jar, lifting a child, carrying bags, or using tools can aggravate the area because they place repeated stress on the affected tendons.
What Causes De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
There isn’t always one identifiable cause. Repetitive thumb and wrist movements may irritate the affected tendons or worsen symptoms, especially when you repeat the same motions frequently.
Your doctor will also consider your occupation, hobbies, recent activity changes, and any wrist injury. The location and pattern of your symptoms often help distinguish De Quervain’s from arthritis, nerve problems, or other sources of wrist pain.
How Is De Quervain’s Treated?
Treatment usually begins without surgery. Reducing activities that trigger pain can give the irritated tissues time to settle. A splint or brace that supports the thumb and wrist may limit aggravating movement while the area settles, and anti-inflammatory medicine may lessen soreness when medically appropriate.
Corticosteroid injections are another nonsurgical option. Physical or occupational therapy may also help you change aggravating movements and gradually restore comfortable hand function.
Surgery can be considered when symptoms continue despite conservative treatment. The procedure releases tight tissue around the affected tendons, giving them more room to glide.
Get Help for Persistent Wrist Pain
Thumb-side wrist pain doesn’t have to become part of your daily routine. Richard P. Mackessy, MD, and the team at Union County Orthopaedic Group treat hand and wrist conditions in Linden, Clark, and Union, NJ. Contact us today for an orthopedic evaluation.
- Linden Office: (908) 486-1111
- Clark Office: (732) 388-1761
- Union Office: (908) 486-4400