DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis

Understanding your tendonitis

This is an inflammatory condition of the wrist that can cause pain shooting up the back side of the thumb and index finger. It is caused by friction from a couple of thumb extensor tendons passing back and forth beneath a sheet of connective tissue called the first dorsal compartment. This friction causes inflammation, which in turn causes swelling, which causes more inflammation and swelling and so on.

The result is almost a self-perpetuating problem, resulting in the pain at the thumb side of the wrist which may radiate up the thumb and index finger with certain motions such as opening a door or using a hammer.

Treatment for De Quervain's

The treatment of this type of tendonitis begins with conservative measures such as splinting and an injection of a steroid in the first dorsal compartment. We then observe the patient for several weeks. While this often works to cure the problem, there are times when a short procedure may be necessary to release the entrapped tendons.

What to expect after your surgery

We will discuss with you the specifics of your recovery timeline. We will want you to move your hand and wrist soon after the procedure. You will be able to perform light tasks in a couple of days after the procedure and you should be able to work in an unrestricted way by 4 weeks post-operatively.