De Quervains syndrome describes pain and inflammation felt at the tendons that sit at the base of your thumb. They can become inflamed from repetitive use and is a form of repetitive strain injury.

 

Activities that may lead to De Quervains Tenosynovitis

• Picking up a newborn or toddler without a fixed wrist
• Repetitive thumb use or wrist movement
• Typing

 

Signs and symptoms of De quervains Tenosynovitis

• Pain at the base of the thumb usually with movement or lifting
• Swelling at the base of your thumb
• Pain may be experienced at night

 

What does the science say?

• Use of braces can help immobilise the thumb and reduce pain
• Cortisone injection can be quite helpful if not responsive to conservative management
• Surgical release is rarely required

 

How can Physiotherapy help?

Your Physiotherapist will be able to:

• Help you identify aggravating activities
• Help you identify positions of comfort
• Provide manual therapy to reduce pain and overactivity in muscles
• Guide you through tendon gliding exercises and provide strapping or a brace