Understanding De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is the result of inflammation in the tendon sheath of the wrist, which acts as a covering for the two tendons between the wrist and thumb. This inflammation causes pressure on the surrounding nerves, resulting in pain and numbness on the thumb side of the wrist.

This condition is typically caused by overuse of the wrist. A direct injury to your thumb or inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are other possible causes of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Depending on the severity of the condition, it is possible to treat de Quervain’s tenosynovitis with a variety of nonsurgical options, including:

  • Applying heat or ice to the hand
  • Avoiding activities that worsen the condition
  • Receiving corticosteroid injections
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • Wearing a splint

If these options don’t relieve your pain or symptoms, a specialty-trained hand surgeon may recommend surgery to give your tendons more room to move and help release the pressure-causing pain. The surgeon will work with you to develop a treatment and recovery plan that is designed for your needs.

For more information on de Quervain’s tenosynovitis or if you are experiencing hand pain, request an appointment online with one of our hand specialists at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia or call (404) 255-0226.