On this page…
What are the symptoms of De Quervain’s?
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis typically causes pain near the base of your thumb that can extend into your forearm. The pain often gets worse with thumb and wrist movements, especially when gripping or pinching objects. Other symptoms include swelling, a snapping or popping sensation in your wrist when you move your thumb, stiffness, and sometimes numbness in your wrist or thumb.
What are the causes of De Quervain’s?
This condition is usually caused by overuse of the thumb and wrist. Repetitive motions, such as those involved in certain hobbies or work tasks, can irritate the tendons in your thumb. Other causes include direct injury to the thumb, inflammatory conditions like arthritis, and activities that involve repetitive grasping or gripping.
How is De Quervain’s diagnosed?
Diagnosis of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is typically based on a physical examination. Your healthcare provider will check for pain and swelling near the base of your thumb and may perform specific tests to see if certain thumb and wrist movements cause pain. Imaging tests are usually not necessary but may be used to rule out other conditions.
How can I manage it?
Management of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis often involves resting the affected hand and wrist, avoiding activities that cause pain, and using splints to immobilise the thumb and wrist. Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended. If these treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on the tendons.
De Quervain's Exercises
Try to rest the thumb and wrist, consider using a thumb splint to start. These exercises should be done gently and without aggravating your symptoms. If they do cause pain reduce the intensity, weight or frequency.
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team
Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk
Alternative Formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to change the text size and colour contrast on this page.
There is a “translate” button in the Accessibility toolbar, at the bottom of this page, however, this tool is automated and may not be accurate.
Speak to a member of staff if you wish to request this page in Braille or have any other questions about accessibility.
You can use the “print this page” icon at the bottom of the page to save or print a PDF copy of this leaflet.
Approval date: 4 June 2026
Review date: 3 June 2027
Version number: 1