What is Dequervain’s Syndrome?
DeQuervain’s syndrome (also known as stenosing tenosynovitis) is a condition brought on by irritation or swelling of the tendons found along the thumb side of the wrist. The irritation causes the compartment lining around the tendon to swell, changing the shape of the compartment or causing the tendon to thicken. This makes it difficult for the tendon to move as it should. The swelling can cause pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist, usually noticed when forming a fist, grasping or gripping things, or turning or twisting the wrist.

What causes it?
A common cause of DeQuervain’s syndrome is a swelling of the compartment lining of the tendon known as tenosynovitis. Repetitive use or overuse of the hand as hammering, skiing, some assembly jobs, or new baby care, can cause DeQuervian’s stenosing tenosynovitis.

What are the patient’s signs and symptom?
Pain over the thumb side of the wrist is the main symptom. The pain may appear either gradually or suddenly, and it is felt in the wrist and may travel up the forearm. The pain is usually worse with repetitive use of the hand and thumb, especially when forcefully grasping things or twisting the wrist. The patient may notice swelling over the thumb side of the wrist and there may be an occasional “catching” or “snapping” when moving the thumb. It may be difficult to move the thumb and wrist because of the pain and swelling. The patient avoids moving the thumb which only worsens the “stickiness” or inflammation of the structures, since the tendon finds it more and more difficult and painful to glide.