Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. Learn about symptoms and diagnosis with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is irritation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain when you grip, lift a child or turn your wrist. Splinting, activity changes and hand therapy are the first steps. If pain stays, Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, may use an ultrasound-guided injection into the tendon sheath.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Elbow, wrist and hand condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland may evaluate the thumb-side wrist tendons with examination and ultrasound and discuss a targeted injection for selected persistent cases. PRP treatment or other regenerative injections are not established as routine first-line care for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis; evidence and candidacy should be discussed before treatment.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Traditional care usually starts with a thumb-spica splint, activity modification, and hand therapy. A corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath may be considered by a qualified clinician if symptoms persist.

When other care may be needed: Persistent pain or impaired gripping despite appropriate conservative care may warrant a hand specialist’s assessment; surgery is considered for selected cases that do not improve.

Common questions

Questions about de quervain's tenosynovitis

What causes De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's is irritation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, often from repetitive thumb and wrist motion, gripping, or lifting an infant. Hormonal changes and prior injury may contribute.

What are the symptoms of De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Symptoms include pain and swelling on the thumb side of the wrist, especially with pinching, gripping, lifting or turning the wrist. Pain may worsen when lifting a child or carrying objects. An exam helps separate tendon-sheath irritation from thumb-base arthritis or another wrist problem.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Common first steps are a thumb-spica splint, activity modification and hand therapy. A clinician may consider a corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath when symptoms persist. Surgery is reserved for selected cases that do not improve with appropriate conservative care.

What regenerative options may help De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

PRP or prolotherapy may be discussed in selected persistent tendon problems, but neither is a routine first-line treatment for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Evidence is limited; the decision should follow examination, ultrasound when useful, and review of more established options.