De Quervain’s tendinosis
Pain on the thumb side of your wrist can make even simple everyday movements uncomfortable, from picking up a mug to closing a zip.
What is De Quervain’s tendinosis?
De Quervain’s tendinosis is a painful problem affecting two tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone and help your thumb move. The tendons pass through a narrow tunnel of tissue at the wrist called a tendon sheath. If this area gets irritated or thicker, the tendons have less space to move smoothly, which can make everyday movements painful.
What causes De Quervain’s tendinosis?
The cause isn’t always obvious. Using your hands a lot at work, at home or while playing sport can make the pain worse. It particularly affects people who play sports that involve gripping or twisting, such as tennis, squash and fencing.
De Quervain’s can also be linked to inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the symptoms?
You’ll usually feel pain on the thumb side of your wrist, which can sometimes travel into your forearm. The area may feel tender or look swollen.
Pain often becomes more noticeable when you grip something or twist your wrist. Some people also notice clicking or catching as they move their thumb.
How is De Quervain’s tendinosis diagnosed?
Your specialist will ask about your symptoms and examine your thumb and wrist. They may use a simple movement test, sometimes called the Finkelstein test, to see which action causes your usual pain.
Imaging scans aren’t usually needed, although your specialist may recommend one if they need to rule out another cause.
How is De Quervain’s tendinosis treated?
Many people find that De Quervain’s improves without surgery. Your specialist will explain the options and recommend treatment based on how your symptoms affect you.
Treatment routes for De Quervain’s tendinosis
You may be advised to reduce movements that make your pain worse. A splint supporting your thumb and wrist can give the area time to settle.
Your specialist may recommend painkillers that can help with pain and swelling. They might offer a steroid injection, where medicine is injected into the affected tendon area to help ease your symptoms. Hand therapy, with exercises and support to improve movement, may also help you use your hand more comfortably again.
Recovery goals after De Quervain’s tendinosis treatment
Phase 1 goals:
Protect your wound and dressing as advised Begin gentle movement when your specialist recommends it
Phase 2 goals:
Have your wound reviewed if needed Gradually return to light everyday hand use
Phase 3 goals:
Build up how much you use your thumb and wrist Return to heavier work or sport when your specialist feels you’re ready
Working with Hand and Wrist professionals and teams
Our hand and wrist specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hands and wrists. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Hand and Wrist treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.