De Quervain Tendinitis
De Quervain tendinitis causes irritation of tendons along the thumb side of the wrist, often from repetitive hand or thumb use.
About de quervain tendinitis
De Quervain tendinitis causes irritation of tendons along the thumb side of the wrist, often from repetitive hand or thumb use.
What can cause it?
De Quervain tendinitis is irritation of two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist from repetitive use, lifting, pregnancy-related changes, or direct strain.
Symptoms can overlap with arthritis or nerve problems.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Pain near the base of the thumb
- Pain with gripping, lifting, or turning the wrist
- Swelling or catching sensation
How clinicians find the cause
Examination identifies tendon tenderness and pain with thumb and wrist movement. Imaging is usually unnecessary unless another injury is suspected.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Treatment may include activity modification, thumb-spica support, therapy, and clinician-approved anti-inflammatory care.
- 2
A corticosteroid injection is effective for many patients.
- 3
Surgery is reserved for persistent cases.
Supporting recovery
- Avoid repetitive pinching and lifting with the thumb extended.
- Use two hands and neutral wrist positioning when lifting a child or object.
What to expect
Most people improve with activity changes, a thumb-spica support, therapy, and—when appropriate—an injection. Recovery may take several weeks, and repeated strain can bring symptoms back. Surgery is uncommon but can help when well-planned nonsurgical treatment does not relieve persistent tendon compression.
Possible complications
- Ongoing pain, weakness, or limited thumb and wrist motion
- Recurrence when repetitive strain resumes before recovery
- Rare nerve irritation, tendon problems, stiffness, or scar sensitivity after an injection or surgery
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
A major injury, deformity, severe swelling, numbness, weakness, or a pale, blue, or cold hand needs urgent evaluation.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Vary tasks, use ergonomic tools, and strengthen gradually after pain improves.
- Address symptoms early before they become chronic.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.