- 
Arabic
 - 
ar
Chinese (Simplified)
 - 
zh-CN
Chinese (Traditional)
 - 
zh-TW
English
 - 
en
French
 - 
fr
Gujarati
 - 
gu
Italian
 - 
it
Lithuanian
 - 
lt
Polish
 - 
pl
Portuguese
 - 
pt
Punjabi
 - 
pa
Romanian
 - 
ro
Spanish
 - 
es
Tamil
 - 
ta
Urdu
 - 
ur

Tendinitis of thumb (Dequervain’s tenosynovitis)

Treatment that delivers better results

What is the problem?

Two of the main tendons to the thumb pass through a tunnel located on the thumb side of the wrist.

These tendons are covered by a slippery, thin, soft-tissue layer called synovium.

This layer allows the tendons to slide easily through a fibrous tunnel called a tendon sheath.

Any swelling of the tendons and/or thickening of the sheath, results in increased friction and pain with certain thumb and wrist movements.

What causes the problem?

  • Most commonly associated with repetitive use.
  • Known as writers cramp.
  • This is a common condition in people caring for young babies or children.
  • Thumb tendinitis rarely affects men, but common in middle aged women.

What are the signs and symptoms?

  • Pain may be felt over the thumb side of the wrist or can travel up the forearm.
  • The pain is worse when forcefully grasping objects or twisting the wrist.
  • Swelling may be seen over the thumb side of the wrist.
  • A “Catching” or “Snapping” sensation may be felt when moving the thumb.
  • Pain and swelling may make it difficult to move the thumb and wrist.

How do I manage this problem?

  • Anti-inflammatory medication (Ibuprofen) may help reduce the swelling and relieve pain.
  • Rest. Simple thumb splints may be used to rest the thumb and wrist.
  • Avoiding activities that cause pain and swelling may ease the symptoms on their own.

What other treatments are available?

  • Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath may help reduce the swelling and pain

Hand pain advice

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome

Hand booklet

Our locations


How to access our services

Self referrals and referrals through your GP
To refer yourself to Healthshare or see if we operate in your area please follow the link below.

Your GP can also refer you, see details here.