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De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's affects the two tendons running along the thumb side of the wrist, where they pass through a tight sheath. It is strongly associated with new parenthood — repeatedly lifting a baby under the arms loads exactly these tendons — and with any sudden increase in thumb-heavy gripping. It responds well when the aggravating load is genuinely reduced.

Related reading: thumb base pain from joint wear, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist pain after an injury.

What causes it

  • Repeated lifting with the thumb spread, classically lifting a baby
  • A sudden increase in gripping, wringing or thumb-heavy work
  • Phone and device use over long periods
  • Hormonal changes in pregnancy and after birth
  • A direct knock to the thumb side of the wrist

What you might notice

  • Sharp pain on the thumb side of the wrist
  • Pain lifting objects with the thumb out, or turning a key
  • Swelling and sometimes a creaking sensation along the tendon
  • Pain that shoots up the forearm from the wrist
  • A strongly positive response to bending the thumb into the palm and tilting the wrist down

How we treat it

  • A thumb spica splint to rest the tendons through the irritable phase
  • Practical changes to lifting technique, which for new parents is most of the answer
  • Soft tissue work and gentle tendon gliding
  • Progressive strengthening once the sharp pain has settled
  • Load management advice so the return is gradual
  • Referral for a cortisone injection where it will not settle

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Symptoms overlap between conditions, so the right treatment depends on an assessment. If your pain followed a significant injury, is getting worse, or comes with numbness, weakness or unexplained weight loss, please see your GP.

Very common after a new baby, and very treatable

Changing how you lift is usually the difference between this settling in weeks and dragging on for a year. We can show you how in one appointment.

Book a wrist assessment Ask a question first

Or call us on (08) 7008 7566 — we see patients across Seaton, Modbury and Stepney.

Other wrist conditions we treat

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Wrist Sprain Thumb Base Arthritis Trigger Finger

Back to all wrist conditions