De’Quervain Syndrome:

De Quervain’s Syndrome is a condition of the wrist which results in pain on the thumb-side of the wrist. It can cause pain with wrist rotation, grasping an item, or if you move your thumb away from your wrist. De Quervain’s Syndrome involves thickening and swelling of the sheath of tissue covering the “Extensor Pollicis Longus” and “Extensor Pollicis Brevis Tendons”.

The main causes of De’Quervain syndrome:

Activities involving repetitive pinching, grasping, pulling or pushing may put you at higher risk. This risk is further increased if it comes with a sudden increase in activity. It is common for new mothers to develop De Quervain’s Syndrome, as they start to pick-up their newborn with an extended thumb far more frequently.

Sign and Symptoms of De’Quervain Syndrome:

• Moderate to severe pain around the base of the thumb
• Mild to moderate swelling after any movement that involves thumb like pinching or grasping
• Weakness of any action or movement that involves the participation of thumb

Physiotherapy Management for De’Quervain Syndrome

In York-Med physiotherapy, our registered physiotherapists will conduct a thorough and detailed assessment of your condition and how your De Quervain’s Syndrome affects your life. Typically, treatment will involve techniques designed to settle down the pain at your wrist and improve the movement of the tendons within their sheaths. Your personal treatment plan will also involve exercises designed to strengthen the wrist and the affected tendons back to full health, as well as preventing any future recurrence.