De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Overview De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tendon sheath at the base of the wrist, restricting the movement of the thumb. Symptoms Pain at the base of the thumb that sometimes radiates to the forearm or the elbow.Occasional swelling or redness of the wrist. Risk factors Wrist overuse-led injury.Women are more commonly affected than men.Middle age (40–59 years).Pregnancy and breastfeeding.Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Diagnosis Physical examination for assessing the pain and certain tests, such as asking the patient to make a fist with the thumbs inside and bending it towards the little finger.Ultrasonography to confirm the diagnosis.Magnetic resonance imaging is rarely required. Treatment Non-surgical treatmentThe primary aim of the non-surgical treatment is to alleviate pain. These treatment methods include:Anti-inflammatory medication during the initial phase of the condition.Splints to reduce inflammation by resting the affected area (keeping the thumb in an upright position).Applying ice packs to the affected area.Lifestyle modifications.Steroid injections (a maximum of 1–2 injections) to help reduce the symptoms by approximately 50%–80%.Surgical treatmentSurgery is recommended for patients in whom non-surgical treatment options have failed.The minimally invasive surgery can be performed under local or a short general anaesthesia and involves a small 1–2 inch incision at the base of the thumb to release the thickened tendon sheath and relieve the symptoms.Post-surgery care:A pressure dressing is usually applied for 2 weeks following which the sutures are removed.Physical therapy is usually initiated after suture removal and involves mobilisation and strengthening exercises.