De Quervain's disease

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De Quervain's disease

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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 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 medications to decrease inflammation. Physical therapy, a steroid injection, or surgery may sometimes be needed.

Credits

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Author	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor	Alison Allen
Editor	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	February 14, 2007

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Last updated:	February 14, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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