Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
What Is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon sheath surrounding two thumb tendons (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) as they pass through a narrow compartment at the wrist. It causes pain and swelling at the base of the thumb and radial wrist — particularly with gripping, pinching, and any activity involving thumb movement.
Who Gets De Quervain's?
New mothers (lifting the baby with the thumb extended — 'mummy wrist'), and mobile phone users with heavy typing. It is also common in gardening, factory workers performing repetitive thumb/wrist movements, and golfers (left thumb in right-handed players).
Diagnosis
The Finkelstein test — making a fist with the thumb inside the fingers, then tilting the wrist toward the little finger — reproduces the sharp pain of De Quervain's.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Thumb Spica Splint
A thumb spica splint immobilises the thumb in a comfortable position, allowing the inflamed tendon sheath to rest. Most effective for acute De Quervain's.
Activity Modification
Modifying the specific activities causing repetitive strain — baby-lifting technique (using the palms rather than the thumbs), typing posture, gripping technique.
Tendon Gliding Exercises
Once acute inflammation settles, progressive tendon gliding exercises restore smooth tendon movement within the compartment.
Electrotherapy
Therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy reduce tendon sheath inflammation and promote healing.
De Quervain's Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we treat De Quervain's tenosynovitis effectively. Book your wrist and thumb pain assessment today.