What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gamer’s Thumb
• Mommy Thumb
• Washerwomen’s Sprain

What is De Quervain’s Tendinitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• De Quervain’s Tendinitis is a common and painful injury, characterized by the irritation and constriction of tendons surrounding the base of the thumb
• The condition is usually caused by any physical activity, such as an athletic sport, or a normal daily activity that requires repetitive overuse of the thumb. Overall, women are affected the most by this condition
• Rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medications, are generally the initial recommended steps in treating De Quervain’s Tendinitis. However, surgery is an option, if these aforementioned treatments are unsuccessful
• The prognosis of the condition is usually good with appropriate treatment

Who gets De Quervain’s Tendinitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• De Quervain’s Tendinitis may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and gender
• Individuals, between the ages of 30-50 years, have the highest rate of occurrence
• Women have a higher risk of developing De Quervain’s Tendinitis, than men

What are the Risk Factors for De Quervain’s Tendinitis? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with De Quervain’s Tendinitis include:

• Women have a higher risk of developing De Quervain’s Tendinitis
• Any sport or occupation that involves a repetitive use of the thumb

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of De Quervain’s Tendinitis? (Etiology)

Causal factors of De Quervain’s Tendinitis include:

• Certain sports activities, such as tennis, that require a set of repetitive motions that involve the thumb
• Direct trauma to the thumb, associated with an automobile accident
• An inflammatory or autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis

What are the Signs and Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tendinitis?

Signs and symptoms of De Quervain’s Tendinitis include:

• Pain and swelling around the base of the thumb
• Development of a cyst around the region of swelling and pain
• Difficulty with thumb and wrist movements, decreased range of motion
• Deformity of the thumb joint

How is De Quervain’s Tendinitis Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose De Quervain’s Tendinitis include:

• Physical examination: A physician will perform a thorough physical examination of the thumb. During this exam, a physician may apply pressure to the hand on the thumb side of the wrist. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• Finkelstein test: A Finkelstein test is a physical examination by a physician to diagnose De Quervain’s Tendinitis. During this exam, the individuals may be asked to perform the following tasks:
  • Bend their thumb across the palm of their hand
  • Bend the fingers down over the thumb
  • Bend their wrist toward their little finger
• If pain exists on the thumb side of the wrist, the individual likely has De Quervain’s Tendinitis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of De Quervain’s Tendinitis?

A common complication associated with De Quervain’s Tendinitis is the decreased range of motion in thumb; when the affected tendons are no longer able to slide into the tendon sheath.

How is De Quervain’s Tendinitis Treated?

The painful thumb condition may be treated by using both nonsurgical and surgical methods. Nonsurgical treatment for De Quervain’s Tendinitis may include:

• Any activity that aggravates the thumb condition further should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activities, till the pain or symptoms get better
• Applying ice to the thumb/palm can help reduce pain and swelling
• Complete immobilization of the thumb with a cast may be required, to restrict movement
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, can help reduce the pain and swelling, in the thumb
• Corticosteroid injections help provide temporary relief of symptoms, and in improving the range of motion. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections only give temporary relief. Prolonged episodes of such injections, may injure the joints in the long-run
• Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises, after the cast is removed. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the thumb muscles, improve flexibility, and decrease any stiffness

Surgical treatment for De Quervain’s Tendinitis may include:

• Surgical release of the tendon sheath: The surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves an examination of the tendon sheath surrounding the affected tendon. After this examination, the physician opens the sheath, to release any abnormal pressure on the constricted section, thereby providing additional space for the inflamed tendon

How can De Quervain’s Tendinitis be Prevented?

There are no preventable measures for De Quervain’s Tendinitis. However, common methods that may help decrease abnormal pressure of the tendons within the base of the thumb include:

• Resting the thumb while performing certain occupations that require repetitive overuse of the thumb, such as with some office-related work, painting, carpentry, etc.
• Avoiding repetitive overuse of the thumb, while playing certain sports, such as tennis
• In sports, learn the correct techniques and avoid poor techniques

What is the Prognosis of De Quervain’s Tendinitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long-term prognosis of De Quervain’s Tendinitis is usually good, in a majority of the individuals
• When properly treated, usually under the guidance of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, a high percentage of individuals, regain their full strength and range of motion of the thumb
• If an individual continues to participate in activities that could aggravate the thumb, De Quervain’s Tendinitis can recur

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for De Quervain’s Tendinitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/