De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It commonly causes pain, tenderness and swelling near the base of the thumb, particularly during gripping, lifting or thumb movement. Dr. Vikash Singh provides assessment and treatment of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis in Karachi, including non-surgical treatment and surgical release when required.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis occurs when the tendons that move the thumb become irritated and swollen as they pass through a narrow compartment on the thumb side of the wrist. This can make thumb and wrist movements painful.
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist
Pain near the base of the thumb
Swelling or tenderness around the wrist
Pain when gripping or lifting objects
Pain when moving the thumb
Difficulty with repetitive hand activities
Occasionally a catching or rubbing sensation around the tendons
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, especially when gripping, lifting a child, opening a jar or moving the thumb, can be a symptom of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. A clinical examination is important because other wrist conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Repetitive thumb and wrist movements
Repeated gripping or lifting
Activities that place stress on the thumb tendons
Overuse of the wrist and thumb
Sometimes it develops without an obvious cause
Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's symptoms and examination of the wrist and thumb. A specific clinical test may reproduce pain over the affected tendons. Imaging may be recommended when another condition needs to be excluded.
Treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. Initial treatment may include activity modification, rest, a thumb or wrist splint, medication when appropriate and other non-surgical measures. In selected patients, an injection may be considered. Persistent symptoms that do not improve with appropriate non-surgical treatment may require surgical release.
When pain persists despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, surgical release may be considered. The procedure releases the tight tendon compartment on the thumb side of the wrist, allowing the affected tendons to move more freely and reducing pressure and irritation.
What are the symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?
The most common symptoms are pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist, often aggravated by thumb movement, gripping or lifting.
Can De Quervain’s tenosynovitis cause thumb pain?
Yes. Pain may be felt around the base of the thumb and along the thumb side of the wrist.
When is surgery needed for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?
Surgery may be considered when persistent symptoms do not improve with appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Where can I get De Quervain’s tenosynovitis treatment in Karachi?
Dr. Vikash Singh provides assessment and treatment for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis in Karachi, including non-surgical treatment and surgical release when appropriate.
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Dr. Vikash Singh
FCPS (Orthopaedic Surgery) | MRCS (Edinburgh) | CHPE (DUHS)
Fellowships & Advanced Training
AO-Spine Fellowship – Germany
Foot & Ankle Fellowship – Germany
Ilizarov ASAMI Fellowship – Italy
AO-Trauma Fellowship – UK
Arthroplasty Fellowship – Karachi
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