In de Quervain's tenosynovitis, tendons and their sheath on the thumb side of the wrist are irritated. Adjusting activities, a splint and sometimes an injection often help; surgery is rarely needed.
- Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, sometimes spreading to the thumb or forearm.
- More pain when grasping, gripping, wringing, lifting or moving the thumb.
- Temporarily avoid forceful gripping and moving the wrist far towards the little-finger side.
- Lift a baby using your forearms and palms rather than with your thumbs spread under the baby's armpits.
- Make an appointment if pain does not decrease after a few weeks of adjustments or continues to limit work and caring responsibilities.
- For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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