De Quervain Tenosynovitis(De Quervain Syndrome; De Quervain Disease; Washerwoman’s Sprain)Pronounced: DEE-KUR-vains TEE-no-SIGH-no-VY-tis
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionDe Quervain tenosynovitis is an irritation of tendons that run from the wrist to the thumb. These tendons pass through a tunnel-like tissue, called a sheath, at the wrist. The tunnel area can cause additional pressure and irritation on thickened or swollen tendons, making normal movements painful.
Causes TOPDe Quervain is caused by pressure on already irritated tendons as they move through the sheath at the wrist. The irritation of the tendon may be caused by repetitive movements of the thumb and wrists or a direct blow to the area. Risk Factors TOPDe Quervain tenosynovitis is more common in women. Activities that may increase your chance of getting de Quervain tenosynovitis include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms may include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will be asked to move your fingers and wrists in different ways to help make the diagnosis. Your may be asked to make a fist with your thumb inside your fingers and bend your wrist toward your little finger. If this causes pain at the wrist below your thumb, you may have de Quervain tenosynovitis. Treatment TOPThe goal of treatment is to relieve pain and help you regain function. Supportive care may include:
If supportive care is not helpful, then cortisone injections may be advised to reduce swelling. If injections are not helpful, then surgery may be advised to open the tunnel that the tendon passes through. Prevention TOPTo help reduce the chances of getting de Quervain:
RESOURCES:American College of Sports Medicine http://acsm.org OrthoInfo—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org Canadian Physiotherapy Association http://www.physiotherapy.ca References:Best treatment for de Quervain's tenosynovitis uncertain.
Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(3):536. Corticosteroid injection for treatment of de Quervain's tenosynovitis: a pooled quantitative literature evaluation.
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De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT Last Updated: 4/30/2014 |
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