DeQuervain’s Syndrome
What is DeQuervain’s Syndrome?
Patients with de Quervain syndrome have painful tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are the ropes that the muscle uses to pull the bone. You can see them on the back of your hand when you straighten your fingers. In de Quervain syndrome, the tunnel (the first extensor compartment; see Figure 1A-B) where the tendons run narrows due to the thickening of the soft tissues that make up the tunnel. Hand and thumb motion cause pain, especially with forceful grasping or twisting.
Causes of DeQuervain’s Syndrome
Doctors are not sure what causes de Quervain syndrome. Patients often describe a feeling of inflammation, but studies have shown that the process is not inflammatory. People of all ages get it. When new mothers develop de Quervain syndrome, it typically appears 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. The old theory that it was caused by wringing out cloth diapers has been replaced by concerns about holding the baby, but changes in hormones and swelling seem more probable.
Treatment of DeQuervain’s Syndrome
Treatments that can relieve symptoms include:
- A splint that stops you from moving your thumb and wrist.
- Tylenol or aspirin type medications (e.g., ibuprofen).
Treatments that attempt to change the course of the disease include:
- A cortisone-type of steroid injection into the tendon compartment. It has not been clearly established that these injections change the course of the disease and response to the injection varies.
- Surgery to open the tunnel and make more room for the tendons.
Figure 1A: The first dorsal compartment. There are six compartments on the dorsal, or back, side of the wrist. The first and third compartments house tendons that control the thumb.
Figure 1B: A drawing of the first dorsal compartment.
Figure 2A and B: Pain with this motion (a hammering motion with the thumb in the fist) is characteristic of de Quervain syndrome.
Our DeQuervain’s Syndrome Specialists
DeQuervain’s Syndrome can make gripping and lifting painful. Our team provides effective treatments to relieve pain and restore wrist function. Whether through therapy or advanced procedures, we’re committed to delivering care that helps you regain control and comfort in your daily life.
Our DeQuervain’s Syndrome Center in SC
At our Spartanburg facility, we provide expert care for DeQuervain’s Syndrome, ensuring personalized treatment plans to help you recover and thrive.
Carolina Hand Center
1650 Skylyn Dr. Suite 410
Spartanburg, SC 29307
T: (864) 585-4263
F: (864) 585-9712
Find Relief for Your Wrist Pain
Take control of DeQuervain’s Syndrome with expert care. Contact The Carolina Hand Center today to schedule your consultation and regain comfort and mobility.