De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

• Pain and tenderness, usually on the thumb side of the wrist
• Swelling, stiffness or numbness near the base of the thumb
• A catching or snapping sensation when moving the thumb

• Repetitive hand and wrist movements during activities such as typing, gardening, racquet sports and playing musical instruments
• Injury or trauma to the wrist or thumb area
• Pregnancy and postpartum changes
• Anatomical factors

• Medical history
• Clinical examination

Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the thumb tendons.

Non-surgical treatment options include:

• Rest and immobilisation using a thumb spica splint
• Ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Hand therapy for ergonomic adjustments, stretching and strengthening exercises
• Corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath

If symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. The procedure involves making a small incision at the base of the thumb and carefully opening the inflamed tendon sheath. This relieves pressure, allows the tendons to glide more freely and helps restore thumb and wrist function.