De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervian’s tenosynovitis is an irritation of the tendons and their covering sheath that control the thumb, specifically the Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) and Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB) tendons. These tendons are located on the radial (thumb side) of the wrist and are often cause pain into the thumb and wrist when gripping, carrying or lifting activities.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Causes
The cause of Dequervain’s often isn’t clear. Mothers of young babies can often suffer with it. It is not known if this is due to lifting and holding their baby, or whether there may be a hormonal link. There is no strong evidence that it is caused by work activities, but work activities can often flare the pain further. Everyday activity or particular sports can also aften flare the pain.
Management
Many cases will settle within a few weeks without any specific treatment. Trying to avoid activities that trigger the pain is important. A thumb splint can also be helpful. This needs to be used for up to 6 weeks for maximum benefit. It is advised that the splint is only worn for activity
that would normally flare the pain. If a splint is worn too much it can cause the thumb to get stiff and weak.
An ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel and put on the area for 20 minutes every 4-6 hours can also be helpful. As always when using ice, make sure to check the skin under the ice pack regularly. We do not recommend using ice if you have circulation issues or peripheral nerve problems.
You can also use over the counter pain relief, as long as you haven’t ever been advised not to. A pharmacist or your GP can advise further on this.
If these options are not helping, then a steroid injection can be considered. Rarely, if significant pain is ongoing despite the above, then surgery can be considered.
