De Quervain's disease

De Quervain's disease is an inflammation of two extensor tendons or tendon sheath of the thumb: the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus.

Irritation causes the sheath of the tendons to swell or thicken. This causes friction in the tunnel on top of the wrist through which the tendons are supposed to slide.

Sometimes this can be so bad that it creaks when moving. This causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist.

Complaints of De Quervain

Initially, there is pain on the thumb side of the wrist. If left untreated, the pain may spread to the thumb and the upper side of the forearm.

In severe cases, swelling develops around the area of the tendon sheath.

The pain is often worse when making a fist, grasping objects or twisting the wrist.

Treatment

The aim of treatment is to reduce the pain caused by the swelling. In some cases, the doctor will recommend that the patient rest the thumb and wrist by wearing a detachable splint. A hand therapist can give you posture and lifting advice.

Sometimes your treating doctor may choose to start this therapy in combination with an injection. This injection is placed on the thumb side of the wrist and contains a strong anti-inflammatory (Kenacort) and a small amount of anaesthetic (Lidocaine). This reduces swelling.

If a wrist splint or an injection of anti-inflammatories does not help, surgery may be necessary.

During the operation, an incision is made on the thumb side of the wrist. Here, the tendon sheath of the affected two tendons is looked up and opened. This gives the tendons more room to move back and forth through the tendon sheath again. Sometimes the (plastic) surgeon also has to remove inflammatory tissue (synovitis) from the tendon sheath.

For more information, read our leaflet on De Quervain's disease and treatment.

Reimbursement and prices

Your visit to Parkway Clinic Sommer is regularly reimbursed in the same way as a visit to the hospital. For this, check our fees page or if you have any questions, take contact with us.