De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of two tendons on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. It causes quite intense, localized pain and sometimes produces swelling and crepitus (a ‘grating’ sensation on movement). It is usually caused by repetitive overuse of the tendons that operate the thumb so that typical stresses such as lifting young children into car seats or high chairs and lifting heavy grocery bags are common causes. Treatment includes rest with short-term splinting, ice, ultrasound, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or cortisone injections. The prognosis is very good as long as the condition is recognized early and treated effectively. |