De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It develops when the outer layer surrounding these tendons becomes irritated or inflamed, making it painful to move the thumb or wrist during everyday activities such as gripping, lifting or twisting.
Symptoms of De Quervain's tenosynovitis can develop gradually or occur following repetitive use of the wrist or thumb.

Common symptoms include:

Pain along the thumb side of the wrist

Pain that worsens when gripping, lifting or twisting objects

Swelling near the base of the thumb

Tenderness over the affected tendons

Difficulty moving the thumb or reduced grip strength

A catching or snapping sensation when moving the thumb

If left untreated, symptoms may become more persistent and interfere with everyday activities, reducing hand function and grip strength. Seeking an early assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and allow appropriate treatment to begin before symptoms worsen.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis causes are linked to irritation of the tendons that move the thumb as they pass through a narrow tunnel at the wrist. Repetitive movements can increase friction within the tendon sheath, leading to inflammation and pain.

Common De Quervain's tenosynovitis causes and risk factors include:

Repetitive gripping, lifting or twisting activities

Frequent use of the thumb and wrist during work, sport or hobbies

Caring for young children, particularly repeated lifting

Previous injury to the wrist

Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

Pregnancy and the postnatal period, when hormonal and physical changes may increase the risk

Because wrist pain can have several underlying causes, including arthritis, tendon injuries or nerve compression, a thorough assessment is important to establish the correct diagnosis.
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our orthopaedic specialists begin with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, daily activities and any previous injuries before recommending further investigations.

Assessment may include:

Physical examination, including specific clinical manoeuvres to assess the affected tendons and reproduce symptoms

Ultrasound, which provides detailed images of the tendons and surrounding soft tissues and can identify inflammation or tendon abnormalities

MRI scan, which may be recommended when the diagnosis is unclear or to assess for other conditions affecting the wrist or thumb

X-rays, which may be used to exclude arthritis, fractures or other causes of wrist pain, although they do not diagnose De Quervain's tenosynovitis itself

Not every patient requires imaging. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate investigations based on your symptoms and clinical findings.
How to treat De Quervain's tenosynovitis depends on the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle and how long the condition has been present. In many cases, non-surgical treatment can successfully relieve pain and improve function.

Your personalised treatment plan may include:

Activity modification to reduce strain on the affected tendons

A thumb splint to support the wrist and thumb while the tendons recover

Anti-inflammatory medication, where appropriate

Hand therapy and targeted exercises to improve movement and strength

Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection, where clinically appropriate, to reduce inflammation and pain

If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, your consultant will discuss the most appropriate next steps, including referral for further specialist care if required.
Mayo Clinic Healthcare provides internationally recognised expertise in central London, delivering specialist-led care within a highly personalised environment. Patients looking for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis diagnosis benefit from:

Access to highly experienced rheumatology and orthopaedic specialists

Multidisciplinary collaboration across diagnostic and rehabilitation teams

Advanced imaging and evidence-based treatment options

Personalised care plans tailored to individual needs

Connection to the wider Mayo Clinic network for complex cases

A central London location for UK and international patients

Private health insurance

Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

Private assessment for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

If you’re experiencing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis symptoms and are wondering how to treat this condition, you can book a consultation via our online consultation form, or by calling us on +44 (0) 207 871 2575.

Medically Reviewed by

Mr Karthik Karuppaiah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon