Raymond Severt, M.D.

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Raymond Severt, M.D.
Common Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Trigger Fingers
- De Quervain's Tendonitis
- Thumb Arthritis
- Ganglion Cysts
- Dupuytren's Contracture
- Wrist Ligament Injuries and Sprains
- Scaphoid Fractures
- Wrist Arthroscopy
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Shoulder Impingement
- Complex Regional Pain
- Numbness
Table of Contents

What is de Quervain's Tendonitis?

Patients with de Quervain syndrome have painful tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are the ropes that the muscle uses to pull the bone. You can see them on the back of your hand when you straighten your fingers. In de Quervain syndrome, the tunnel (the first extensor compartment) where the tendons run narrows due to the thickening of the soft tissues that make up the tunnel. Hand and thumb motion cause pain, especially with forceful grasping or twisting.

Causes of de Quervain's

Doctors are not sure what causes de Quervain syndrome. Patients often describe a feeling of inflammation, but studies have shown that the process is not inflammatory. People of all ages get it. When new mothers develop de Quervain syndrome, it typically appears 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. The old theory that it was caused by wringing out cloth diapers has been replaced by concerns about holding the baby, but changes in hormones and swelling seem more probable.

Treatment

Treatments that can relieve symptoms include:

A splint that stops you from moving your thumb and wrist.
Tylenol or aspirin type medications (e.g., ibuprofen).

Treatments that attempt to change the course of the disease include:

A cortisone-type of steroid injection into the tendon compartment. It has not been clearly established that these injections change the course of the disease and response to the injection varies.
Surgery to open the tunnel and make more room for the tendons.

De Quervain's Tendonitis

De Quervain's tendonitis involves the 1str dorsal compartment. It is located on thumb side of the wrist, just below the base of the thumb. This area gets inflamed, irritated, and will start causing pain in the region.

This shows the tendons of the 1st dorsal compartment which are involved in de Quervain's tendonitis. These tendons help control the movement of the thumb, and are therefore quite important.

This shows the typical areas where de Quervain's tendonitis causes symptoms.

Pain in the region of the 1st dorsal compartment with this maneuver is characteristic of de Quervain's tendonitis

Raymond Severt, M.D.

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What is de Quervain's Tendonitis?

Causes of de Quervain's

Treatment

De Quervain's Tendonitis