De Quervain’s syndrome is a common inflammatory problem usually associated with repetitive use of the hand and wrist. It is actually a specific form of tendonitis involving the dorsal radial aspect of the wrist immediately proximal to the thumb. Patients complain of local tenderness and discomfort in the wrist and pain with flexion and extension of the thumb.
Treatment for De Quervain’s syndrome can involve a combination of activity modifications, therapy, and limited use of local steroids to quell the inflammation. If over time these measures are unsuccessful, surgery to release pressure on the tendons in this area can be considered.
