In plain words
De Quervain tenosynovitis is an irritation of the tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist. The tendons glide through a narrow tunnel. When they are irritated, the tunnel swells and the movement hurts. Pain is felt at the base of the thumb and wrist, often when lifting, gripping, or turning the wrist. Many mothers notice it after weeks of lifting a baby, holding a feeding bottle, or pushing a stroller. It is one of the most common hand problems in new parents. It usually improves over time with rest and changes in activity. Pain that keeps growing, numbness, or swelling that does not settle is worth reporting to a provider. A hand clinician can confirm the diagnosis.
The deeper version
De Quervain tenosynovitis is a stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment, involving the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons. It is associated with repetitive wrist deviation and forceful pinch or grip. Ilyas and colleagues (Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2007) reviewed its presentation and diagnosis, including the , which reproduces pain when the thumb is held in a fist and the wrist is ulnarly deviated. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand describes conservative care first, with , activity change, and where needed. Postpartum prevalence is reported as higher than in the general population, though studies vary, and the link to infant handling is plausible but not firmly established by controlled data.
Where it comes up
- Breastfeeding positionsFeeding Your Baby
- Numb or tingling hands (carpal tunnel)Pregnancy: Your Body
- Wrist and thumb pain from holding the babyPostpartum: Your Body
What mothers here say about de Quervain tenosynovitis
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Sources
- Ilyas AM, Ast M, Schaffer AA, Thoder J — De Quervain tenosynovitis of the wrist. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2007
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand — Patient information on de Quervain tenosynovitis