What is De Quervain's disease?

What is De Quervain's disease?

De Quervain's disease is a term used to describe a painful disorder affecting the tendons at the base of the thumb. This is one of the most common kinds of tendon lining inflammatory diseases or tenosynovitis. These tendons are encased in sheaths, or sleeves, through which the tendons slide. The inner wall of the sheaths contains cells that produce a slippery fluid to lubricate the tendons. With repetitive or excessive movements such as hand twisting and forceful gripping, the lubrication system may malfunction. Failure of the lubricating system allows friction to develop between the tendons of the thumb and their common sheath. The repetitive friction accounts for the abnormal thickening and the constriction of the sheath which interferes with the smooth gliding motion of the tendons.

De Quervain's disease is more likely to occur in women than men and between the ages of 30 and 50 years but anyone at any age can get it. Pregnant women or people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to get the disease.

What are the symptoms of De Quervain's disease?

The patient experiences pain when moving the thumb away from the hand and has difficulties with activities requiring a firm grip and twisting of the hand. The pain occurs at the base of the thumb and the radial side (same side as the thumb) of the forearm.
Pain along the back of the thumb, directly over two thumb tendons, is common in de Quervain's. The condition can occur gradually or suddenly; in either case, the pain may travel into the thumb or up the forearm. Thumb motion may be difficult and painful, particularly when pinching or grasping objects. Some people also experience swelling and pain on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. The pain may increase with thumb and wrist motion. Some people feel pain if direct pressure is applied to the area.

How is De Quervain's disease treated?

Medical management of De Quervain's disease consists mainly of splinting the thumb and wrist to avoid those movements that caused the disorder. Physicians may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and inflammation. The majority of patients with De Quervain's disease respond to medical management but in some cases surgical release of the affected tendons may be necessary.

How can we prevent De Quervain's disease?

The prevention of De Quervain's disease consists of avoiding excessive movements such as hand and wrist twisting, pinching and forceful gripping. Thumb pressure in pushing controls or while typing should also be avoided.





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