Written by: Taylor Post BA-Kin, CAT(C)
Athletic Therapist

De Quervain's tenosynovitis (dih-kwer-VAINS ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis) is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. In part 1 of this article we explored the signs, symptoms and cause of De Quervains tenosynovitis. Here we look at simple exercises that can be done at home to improve the symptoms of De Quervains Tenosynovitis:

Wrist Flexion & Extension Stretch
Hold the affected arm out if front of you (with elbow straight and palm facing up). Grasp your hand and gently bend your wrist down towards the floor. You should feel a stretch along the top of your forearm but it should not be painful. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds and then repeat the stretch starting with your palm facing down. This will allow you to stretch the muscles on the opposite side of the arm. Perform the stretch 3-5 times each direction.

Opposition
Place your hand on a table or flat surface, with your palm facing up. While keeping the back of your hand flat against the table (as much as possible), attempt to bring your thumb across your palm to touch tour little finger. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds and release. Repeat 10 times.

Grip Strengthening
Squeeze a soft rubber ball and hold the squeeze for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 15.

Radial Deviation
Place your wrist in a sideways position with your thumb up. Hold a small weight (a can of soup or a hammer can be used as a substitute) and gently bend your wrist up, with the thumb reaching toward the ceiling. Slowly lower to the starting position. Do not move your forearm throughout this exercise. Do 2 sets of 15.

​​Flexion and Extension
Still holding your small weight, place your arm on a table, with your palm facing up. Keeping the back of your arm flat against the table, curl your wrist up towards the ceiling and then slowly lower it back down. After performing 3 sets of 10-15 reps, repeat the exercise with your palm face down.

Try and perform these exercises daily. If the exercises exacerbate your pain, try decreasing the weight or the amount of reps that you are doing. You may also need to take a rest day between workouts. If your pain does not improve, it is necessary to consult a doctor or allied medical professional.

It is also important to remember, that while this article presents many helpful tools to get started, not every injury or rehabilitation process will be the same. Make sure to listen to your body and to consult a medical professional as needed. Your local Athletic Therapist is a great resource for injury advice, and will design a program to suit your needs and fitness goals!


To book an appointment with Taylor please email her at [email protected] subject: athletic therapy appointment.

Written by: Taylor Post BA-Kin, CAT(C)
Athletic Therapist
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While few are able to pronounce its name, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is one of the most common injuries to the wrist and hand. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons that control movement of the thumb. These tendons, called abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) are encased in a tendon sheath, which acts like a membranous covering. Repeated movement can cause the tendon sheath to become inflamed and thickened. This leads to pain and often swelling located at the base of the thumb.


What causes De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?
Overuse or repetitive movements of the thumb and wrist are usually the root cause of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. One of the most common cases of De Quervain’s is in new mothers, due to the repetitive movements associated with lifting, carrying and nursing their baby. So much so, that this injury has also been nicknamed “mommy thumb”. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy also put women at increased risk. Jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive hand and wrist motions (golf, typing, playing a musical instrument, carpentry etc.) may also lead to De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

What are the symptoms?
This injury can present differently depending on the individual, but it often includes the following complaints:
• Pain at the base of the thumb and or wrist.
• Swelling and inflammation.
• Creaking or “sticking” sensation when moving the thumb.
• Poor grip strength or difficulty gripping and grasping.

What are the treatment options for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?
• Treatment of De Quervain’s often involves resting or immobilizing the affected hand. This could include wearing a brace and stopping or modifying the way you perform the tasks that lead to the injury.
• Ice can help with the initial pain of this injury. Use crushed ice if possible; and leave it on for 20 minutes every hour.
• If you’re experiencing more stiffness than pain, try applying moist heat to the hand for 20-minute intervals.
• NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help to manage pain and inflammation.
• Exercises and stretches to maintain mobility and regain strength (see part two of this article!).
• Cortisone injections can also be used to treat the inflammation, and in very rare cases, surgical intervention may be required.

What is the prognosis with De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
The prognosis of this injury is usually very good. It is essential to give your wrist and thumb an opportunity to heal with rest, and the use of a thumb brace or spica. You may also need to make modifications to the way you do certain activities to avoid re-aggravating your injury. Once the pain and inflammation is under control, stretching and strength exercises can help you regain normal function. With non-surgical intervention, you should see an improvement in 4 to six weeks.​
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To book an appointment with Taylor please email her at [email protected] subject: athletic therapy appointment.