De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Relieving Pain at the Base of the Thumb

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a common cause of pain along the thumb side of the wrist. It occurs when two tendons that help lift and extend the thumb become inflamed as they pass through a tight tunnel near the wrist.

Patients often notice pain while lifting a child, opening jars, gripping tools, gardening, golfing, or simply turning a doorknob. Swelling and tenderness near the base of the thumb are common, and the pain may radiate into the forearm with activity.



Although the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for thumb arthritis, De Quervain's is a tendon condition and usually responds very well to appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Early cases often improve with:

• Activity modification
• Wrist and thumb splinting
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injection

When symptoms persist or repeatedly return, surgery offers a highly reliable and permanent solution.

Our Surgical Approach

De Quervain's release is typically performed as a brief outpatient procedure using local anesthesia.

Through a small incision near the wrist, the tight tendon sheath is carefully opened, allowing the tendons to glide freely without painful friction.



One important aspect of the procedure is identifying any separate tendon compartments or tendon slips that may also require release. Failure to recognize these normal anatomical variations can occasionally result in persistent symptoms after surgery. Careful surgical technique helps minimize this possibility while protecting the nearby sensory nerves.

What to Expect

Most patients experience significant improvement soon after surgery, although tenderness around the incision gradually resolves over several weeks.



Early thumb and wrist motion is encouraged, and most patients return to normal daily activities within a short period of time. Hand therapy is occasionally recommended for patients with prolonged symptoms or persistent stiffness.

The Consultation Matters Most

Not all pain near the thumb is caused by De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

During your consultation, Dr. Branch will determine whether your symptoms arise from tendon inflammation, thumb CMC arthritis, nerve irritation, or another condition before recommending the treatment most appropriate for your situation.

Our goal is not simply to reduce pain.



It is to restore comfortable, unrestricted use of your thumb and hand so you can return to the activities you enjoy.

Have Questions? Reach Out To Us Today.

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