1. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons along the side of the thumb and wrist.
2. Common symptoms include an aching pain at the base of the thumb or at the side of the wrist. This pain is often intensified during movement.
3. Taking breaks when partaking in activities that involve require repetitive use of the thumb and wrist can prevent the development of De Quervain’s Syndrome.
What Is De Quervain’s Syndrome?
- Condition where the base of the thumb and wrist on the same side becomes painful and sometimes swollen, due to the inflammation of the sheath (synovium) that surrounds the tendons that lift the thumb.
- This restricts the tendon from gliding easily and the mobility of the thumb is affected. Pain may also be felt during gripping and pinching.
Risk Factors For De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
- Can be caused by trauma to the hand, or from carrying excessively heavy loads.
- Common in carers of newborn infants due to awkward wrist and hand postures when carrying the newborn baby.
- Repetitive use of the thumb and wrist, for example, during computer work, texting on mobile phones, use of hand-held touch screen and gaming devices, use of scissors or screwdriver, wringing of cloth.
Management Strategies
Pain Level |
Methods of Treatment |
|
Tendon (Wrist) |
Muscle (Forearm) |
|
Severe |
|
|
No / Slight |
|
|
Precautions
- Keep your wrist straight during lifting and carrying of loads, when typing or using a mouse.
- Avoid prolonged repetitive thumb and wrist movements such as texting on mobile phones or gaming devices, handwashing laundry, wringing mop, cutting with scissors, using screwdriver.
- Reduce or avoid forceful gripping, pinching, twisting and pulling movements during activities. Consider using power tools instead of manual tools, for example, electric screwdriver, nail gun.
- Take frequent rest breaks in activities that require repetitive use of the thumb and wrist.
Contributed by
A collaboration between Singhealth Occupational Therapy Departments
Changi General Hospital (CGH) Occupational Therapy Department
Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Occupational Therapy Department
Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) Occupational Therapy Department
Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH) Occupational Therapy Department
KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) Occupational Therapy Department
Ref: F26
Stay Healthy the Easy Way
Get trusted health advice, offers and more.
Get the Health Buddy App
Follow HealthXchange
