De Quervain’s Synovitis

De Quervain’s synovitis is a common condition resulting from overuse of the tendons of the thumb as they pass over the wrist.

Causes  |  Symptoms  |  Treatment Options

What Causes De Quervain’s Synovitis?

It is part of a group of conditions known as repetitive movement disorders or repetitive stress injuries. De Quervain’s synovitis arises from repetitive hand or wrist movements that lead to inflammation of the tendons as they pass over the wrist bones.

Common causes include gardening, racquet sports, and the lifting of babies.

What are the Symptoms of De Quervain’s Synovitis?

Some typical complaints experienced by patients are pain around the thumb side of the wrist and occasionally swelling or redness around the location.

The pain is often aggravated by thumb or wrist movement, and patients may encounter weakness in the affected hand and wrist.

What Are The Treatment Options Available For De Quervain’s Synovitis?

In early cases of de Quervain’s synovitis, wearing a splint that restricts wrist and thumb movements will allow the tendon time to rest and recover from the offending repetitive motion.

Oral anti-inflammatory medications will also help with the symptoms as well as treat the inflammation.

More severe cases may need a corticosteroid injection to treat the inflammation. Failing all these measures, surgery may be required to release the sheath around the tendons so that they can glide more freely as they pass over the wrist.