De Quervain’s Tendonitis

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.

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On this page:

• What Is De Quervain’s Tendonitis?
• What Are the Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tendonitis?
• How Do You Diagnose De Quervain’s Tendonitis?
• How Do You Treat De Quervain’s Tendonitis?

What Is De Quervain’s Tendonitis?

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.

What causes De Quervain’s tendonitis?

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes De Quervain’s tendonitis.

What are De Quervain’s tendonitis risk factors and complications?

De Quervain’s tendonitis risk factors

• Women are more likely to develop this condition.
• It is more common after the age of 30, especially in middle age.
• It can also happen during or after pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes or more hand use.

Complications of 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.

How can I prevent De Quervain’s tendonitis?

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.

How common is De Quervain’s tendonitis?

De Quervain’s tendonitis affects about 1% of adults in the United States.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tendonitis?

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tendonitis are:

• Pain on the thumb side of your wrist, forearm, or hand.
• Pain that gets worse with certain movements, like giving a "thumbs up" or twisting your wrist.
• Swelling of the hand and wrist.

When should I see a doctor about De Quervain’s tendonitis symptoms?

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.

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How Do You Diagnose De Quervain’s Tendonitis?

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.

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How Do You Treat De Quervain’s Tendonitis?

The best treatment for you depends on your preferences. 

Nonsurgical treatments for De Quervain’s tendonitis

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:

• Brace – A wrist and thumb brace can be worn when the pain is particularly bad.
• Hand use – Certain activities may be painful, and you can choose to avoid them. However, continuing with these activities won't make the tendonitis last longer if you need to keep doing them.
• Heat and ice – Applying heat or ice to your wrist can help reduce pain.
• Over-the-counter painkillers – Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) can provide relief on bad days.

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.

Surgical treatment for De Quervain’s tendonitis

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:

• The surgeon makes a small incision on the thumb side of your wrist.
• Through this cut, they release the tunnel around the tendons, giving them more space to move.
• The procedure is quick, and you can go home the same day.
• You'll wear a bandage on your hand and wrist for a few days, but you can use your hand normally after the surgery.  

How effective is De Quervain’s tendonitis treatment?

• Non-surgical treatment — De Quervain's tendonitis usually heals on its own, although it can take a year or longer.
• Surgery — Most people notice significant improvement within four to six weeks after surgery.

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