What is DeQuervain’s disease?

DeQuervain’s disease is a condition brought on by irritation or swelling of the tendons found along the thumb side of the wrist. The irritation causes the lining around the tendon to swell, changing its shape, and making it difficult for the tendons to move as they 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 the wrist.

The cause of DeQuervain’s tendinitis is an irritation of the tendons at the base of the thumb. Twisting and forceful gripping motions with the hands, similar to a clothes-wringing movement, can place sufficient stress on the tendons to cause DeQuervain’s disease. Tasks involving these kinds of motions are frequently performed by butchers, housekeepers, packers, seamstresses, and cutters.

Pain over the thumb side of the wrist is the main symptom. The pain may appear either gradually or suddenly. It is felt in the wrist and can travel up the forearm. The pain is usually worse with use of the hand and thumb, especially when forcefully grasping things or twisting the wrist. Swelling over the thumb side of the wrist is noticed and may be accompanied by a fluid-filled cyst in this region. There may be an occasional “catching” or “snapping” when moving the thumb. Because of the pain and swelling, it may be difficult to move the thumb and wrist, such as in pinching. Irritation of the nerve lying on top of the tendon sheath may cause numbness on the back of the thumb and index finger.