What is de Quervain's disease?

De Quervain's disease is swelling and inflammation of the tendons and the tendon sheath on the thumb side of the wrist.

The exact cause of De Quervain's disease is not known. It may occur from injury to the wrist or tendon. Or it may occur as a result of activities that require repeated wrist and thumb movements, such as knitting, wringing clothes, or lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms may include swelling, a grating feeling in the wrist, and pain and weakness along the thumb, wrist, and forearm. Pain increases with activities such as lifting or pouring.

Initial treatment consists of rest, splinting, stretching, and medicines to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy, a steroid injection, or surgery may sometimes be needed.

The tendons of the thumb move through a narrow space or tunnel at the wrist. The tendons must move smoothly within this space as well as within the synovial lining the surrounds these tendons. In cases of De Quervain’s disease, the synovial lining becomes inflamed, limiting the movement of the tendons through this tunnel. The individual will likely suffer from aching pain in the thumb, wrist, and forearm and weakness of the thumb and should see a physician for proper evaluation and treatment. De Quervain’s disease is also known as Hoffman’s disease.

(This answer provided for NATA by the Eastern University Athletic Training Education Program.)