De Quervain’s Tendonitis

What is De Quervain's Tendonitis?

To understand De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, you really have to understand the different parts of the condition’s name. Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the synovium around a tendon. The synovium is a covering around the tendon that holds in in the liquid that surrounds our tendons and joints.  So, tenosynovitis is what happens when the covering around our tendons becomes inflamed. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is this inflammation when it occurs around the tendons that allow our thumb to move.

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If you have swelling or pain on the side of your wrist closest to your thumbs, you may have De Quervain’s. It has been called many things, like “BlackBerry Thumb” and “Washerwoman’s Sprain”, because it is often caused by repetitive use activities using the thumb and wrist, like texting and heavy work that involves pinching and grasping.

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There are different options to care for De Quervain’s. Corticosteroid injections are often used, as well as surgery. Consult a specialist with experience in dealing with De Quervain’s.