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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff De Quervain's tenosynovitis (duh-kare-VAHS ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis) is a painful inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. If you have de Quervain's tenosynovitis, you're likely to feel discomfort every time you turn your wrist, grasp anything or make a fist. Although the cause of de Quervain's tenosynovitis isn't known, any activity that relies on repetitive hand or wrist movement such as working in the garden, playing music, knitting, cooking, lifting your baby or walking your pet can aggravate the condition. Treatment for de Quervain's tenosynovitis may range from immobilizing your wrist and taking medications to surgery in more serious cases. If you start treatment early on, your symptoms of de Quervain's tenosynovitis should generally improve within four to six weeks.

Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff The main signs and symptoms of de Quervain's tenosynovitis are pain and swelling near the base of your thumb. The pain may appear suddenly or may increase over time. If the condition goes too long without treatment, the pain may spread farther into your thumb, back into your forearm or both. Pinching, grasping and other movements of your thumb and wrist aggravate the pain. Symptoms of de Quervain's tenosynovitis include: Pain near the base of your thumb Swelling near the base of your thumb

A fluid-filled cyst in the same region as the swelling and pain Difficulty moving your thumb and wrist when you're doing activities that involve grasping or pinching A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in your thumb when trying to move it A squeaking sound as the tendons try to move back and forth through the inflamed sheaths When to see a doctor Consult your doctor if you're still having problems with pain or function and you've already tried:

Avoiding repetitive thumb movements whenever possible Avoiding pinching with your thumb when moving your wrist from side to side Applying cold to the affected area Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve) If the pain continues to interfere in your daily life or activities, seek medical advice.

Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff When you grip, grasp, clench, pinch or wring anything in your hand, you use two major tendons in your wrist and lower thumb. These tendons run side by side from your forearm through the thumb side of your wrist. They normally glide unhampered through the small tunnel that connects them to the base of the thumb. In de Quervain's tenosynovitis, the tendons' slippery covering becomes inflamed, restricting movement of the tendons. Chronic overuse of your wrist is commonly associated with de Quervain's tenosynovitis. For example, wringing out a cloth involves a repetitive motion, a bent wrist and the gripping of the cloth. If you repeat an action like this day after day, this combination may be enough to irritate the sheath around the two tendons. Other causes of de Quervain's tenosynovitis include: Direct injury to your wrist or tendon; scar tissue can restrict movement of the tendons Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staff People most often diagnosed with de Quervain's tenosynovitis tend to be those whose occupations or hobbies involve repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as carpenters, office workers and musicians. Even the awkward hand and wrist positions that new parents use in holding and rocking their children may aggravate the condition. Other risk factors for de Quervain's tenosynovitis include being: Age 30 to 50 Female

Complications
By Mayo Clinic staff You may begin to limit your hand and wrist movements to avoid pain from untreated de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Lack of movement leads to more pain and less strength and flexibility in your hand. Eventually, your range of motion may be severely restricted. Preparing for your appointment Risk factors References
DS00692 April 3, 2010 1998-2011 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.