De Quervain’s tendonitis is a condition that causes pain on the thumb side of your wrist. It happens when the tendons that help you give a "thumbs up" become irritated. The exact cause is unknown, but the condition is common and can be uncomfortable.
Tendonitis usually heals on its own, but it can take up to a year. While you're waiting for it to get better, you can wear a splint if it hurts a lot. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help. It's not clear if steroid injections are useful. If you don’t want to wait, surgery is an option to help the tendonitis heal faster.
Two tendons that run from your elbow to your thumb help you give a "thumbs up." These tendons pass through a small tunnel just before your wrist. For reasons that aren't fully understood, the tendons can become irritated in this tunnel, causing pain in your forearm, wrist, or on the side of your thumb.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes De Quervain’s tendonitis.
De Quervain's tendonitis doesn't usually lead to long-term complications. It almost always heals on its own, but it can take a year or longer.
The exact cause of De Quervain's tendonitis is unknown, so there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it. While using your hand might make the pain worse, it doesn't appear to make the condition last longer. That means it's generally safe to continue using your hand as you normally would, even if it's uncomfortable, without making the tendonitis worse.
De Quervain’s tendonitis affects about 1% of adults in the United States.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tendonitis are:
You should see a doctor if you're unsure of whether or not you have De Quervain's tendonitis. A plastic surgeon or hand specialist can examine you to confirm the diagnosis. If you're unsure about the best treatment for your condition, they can also help guide you in choosing the right approach.
Doctors diagnose De Quervain's tendonitis by examining your hand and assessing your symptoms. In some cases, they may perform specific tests to check for pain or swelling around the tendons at the base of your thumb.
The best treatment for you depends on your preferences.
De Quervain’s tendonitis usually improves on its own over time. The goal of non-surgical treatment is to help you feel more comfortable while waiting for the condition to heal. Here are some things you can do get comfortable:
It’s not clear if physical therapy or steroid injections offer significant benefits. Some studies suggest that people who receive steroid injections may be more likely to choose surgery later on.
If you don’t want to wait for the tendonitis to improve on its own, surgery is an option. This procedure is typically done while you are awake, with the doctor numbing your wrist.
Here’s what to expect:
