07/10/2025
💪 What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist — specifically the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons.
These tendons pass through a narrow tunnel (the first dorsal compartment) at the wrist.
When they become irritated or inflamed, the movement of the thumb becomes painful and restricted.
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⚠️ Common Causes
• Repetitive wrist and thumb movements (typing, scrolling, lifting babies, gripping tools, etc.)
• Prolonged mobile use (“Texting Thumb”)
• Postpartum or childcare activities
• Sports involving gripping (badminton, golf)
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🤕 Symptoms
• Pain or swelling at the base of the thumb and wrist
• Pain increases when you twist the wrist or grip something
• Difficulty lifting objects or making a fist
• Positive Finkelstein’s Test (pain when the thumb is tucked into the fist and wrist is bent towards the little finger)
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🩺 How Physiotherapists Can Help
Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for De Quervain’s — most patients recover without surgery.
1️⃣ Pain & Inflammation Control
• Rest and activity modification
• Ice therapy
• Ultrasound / Laser therapy for tissue healing
• Taping or bracing to offload the tendons
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2️⃣ Manual Therapy
• Soft tissue release around the thumb tendons
• Joint mobilization of the wrist and thumb to restore proper mechanics
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3️⃣ Therapeutic Exercises
Once pain reduces, physiotherapists introduce:
• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Eccentric strengthening for thumb extensors and abductors
• Forearm and wrist strengthening to improve tendon resilience
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4️⃣ Ergonomic & Postural Training
• Correct hand and wrist posture during mobile/computer use
• Advice on modifying daily tasks (lifting, childcare, typing)
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5️⃣ Gradual Return to Activity
Physiotherapists guide a progressive return to normal hand function — minimizing recurrence and ensuring long-term tendon health.
