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De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Treatment for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in Cincinnati

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (sometimes called De Quervain’s tendonitis) is a form of tendon inflammation that causes swelling in the tendons of the thumb. This condition can cause pain, a popping sensation, and difficulty moving the thumb. At the Clifton Hand Surgery Center, under the Beacon Orthopaedics umbrella in Cincinnati, our hand and wrist specialists can diagnose and treat De Quervain’s tenosynovitis to keep patients’ hands working as they should.

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What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (or tendinosis) is a common type of tendon inflammation that affects the tendons of the thumb. Tendons attach muscles to bones, and are surrounded by a tunnel called a sheath that keeps them in place and helps them to slide easily. In patients with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, the tendons of the thumb swell and/or the sheath surrounding these tendons thickens. This results in friction, making it difficult and painful to move the thumb.1

What Causes De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Usually, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is caused by overuse. This condition is far more common in women than in men, and can also be caused by a blow to the thumb, repetitive motion, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may include:

  • Tenderness or pain along the side of the wrist nearest the thumb
  • Pain that increases with hand or thumb use
  • Pain that moves from the thumb to the wrist and lower arm
  • Difficulty or pain when moving the thumb or grasping
  • A sensation of snapping or popping in the wrist when the thumb is used2

Treatment for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Non-Surgical Treatment

At Beacon Orthopaedics, our policy is to always provide the least invasive treatment necessary to alleviate a patient’s symptoms. In the case of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, non-surgical treatment may include:

  • Splinting
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • Avoiding trigger activities
  • Steroid injections

Surgery for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

In some cases, surgery is performed to alleviate stubborn symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. During this procedure, the surgeon opens the thumb compartment to create more room for the inflamed tendons.

Contact Beacon Orthopaedics

If you suffer from the painful symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, the hand and wrist specialists at Beacon Orthopaedics can help. To learn more about your treatment options, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

1 Cleveland Clinic. De Quervain’s Tendinosis. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10915-de-quervains-tendinosis. Accessed December 16, 2021.

2 Mayo Clinic. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/de-quervains-tenosynovitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371332. Accessed December 16, 2021.