De Quervain’s syndrome

What is De Quervain’s syndrome?

De Quervain’s syndrome is a painful condition of the . which move the away from the palm become irritated in a tight tunnel. It is often caused from repeated gripping and sideways movement of the wrist. Occasionally the cause is unknown. How common is it?

It is more common in women, especially mothers of small babies. What are the symptoms? Pain is the most frequent complaint – on the thumb side of the wrist, especially with gripping activities. Swelling at the wrist and loss of grip strength may also be experienced. What should I do? In the early stages it is important to give your wrist pain time to settle. This means taking relative rest – particularly avoiding painful activities (such as gripping and heavy lifting). Changing your hand posture and work station may also help. Ice, massage and a splint may also relieve pain. You may also want to try a short course of anti-inflammatories as discussed with your GP or pharmacist. These could be a gel or tablets. Another option to reduce is to have a cortico-steroid injection. Are there any exercises I can do? Yes, exercises are very important. Your physiotherapist will show you how to strengthen the thumb tendons. Gliding/ mobilising these tendons is also important.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Yeovil District Hospital and OASIS East Advice for patients Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service/Jul20/review Jan22 www.somersetft.nhs.uk

Are there any other treatments I can try?

Yes, you can speak to your physiotherapist about using a splint or tape. How long will it take to get better? This can vary depending on the cause of the condition. In some cases pain can be relieved very quickly, but in others it may take several weeks to months. Overall it can take up to six months for the tendons in your wrist to heal and settle fully. What if I don’t get better? If after a time there is limited improvement you may be reviewed regarding a possible corticosteroid injection. This will help 70 per cent of cases. If symptoms persist you may be referred to our orthopaedic assessment service for further help and possible surgical opinion. Surgically, a small operation may be required to release the sheath. This would generally be done under a local anaesthetic as a day case procedure. More information For more information on De Quervain’s syndrome, please visit the website for The British Society for of the Hand: https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/19/de_quervains_syndrome

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Yeovil District Hospital and OASIS East Advice for patients Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service/Jul20/review Jan22 www.somersetft.nhs.uk 2