De Quervain's disease, also known as de Quervain's tenosynovitis, is swelling and inflammation of the tendons and the tendon sheath on the thumb side of the wrist.
- The swollen tendons and their coverings rub against the narrow tunnel through which they pass
- The result is pain at the base of the thumb
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of De Quervain's disease is not known. It may occur from injury to the wrist or tendon or as a result of activities that require repeated wrist and thumb movements, such as knitting, wringing clothes, or lifting heavy objects.
Risk factors include gender: Women are estimated to be affected up to 10 times more often than men. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are the most likely to develop this disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include swelling, a grating feeling in the wrist, and pain and weakness along the thumb, wrist, and forearm. Pain increases with activities such as lifting or pouring. Sometimes, the disease can cause a cyst on the thumb side of the wrist.
Diagnosis
A test known as Finkelstein's test is sometimes used to help diagnose de Quervain's disease. To do this test, make a fist with your thumb inside. Then bend your wrist outward toward your little finger. If you feel pain on the thumb side of your wrist, then you most likely have de Quervain's disease. This test can also help to rule out other problems, such as arthritis in your thumb.
The Finkelstein's test is done to make sure that you do not have a different problem, such as arthritis in the bottom of your thumb, which can have similar symptoms to de Quervain's disease.
Treatment
Initial treatment consists of rest, splinting, stretching, and medications to decrease inflammation. Physical therapy, a steroid injection, or surgery may sometimes be needed.
Surgery entails the surgical release of the tight covering of the tendon eliminates the friction that causes inflammation. This restores the tendons' function and smooth gliding capability. Generally, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis using regional anesthesia.
To schedule an appointment
UCSD's orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of de Quervain's Disease. For more information, to schedule a consultation or refer a patient, please call: