de Quervain’s Syndrome | de Quervain’s Tendinitis
Description
Named after 19th-century Swiss surgeon, Fritz de Quervain, this condition is also known as mommy thumb, blackberry thumb or gamers’ thumb. The underlying cause is irritation or constriction of the tendons located at the base of the thumb at the wrist. Read on for more.
Causes & Triggers
- Acute injury
- Hormonal imbalance
- Repetitive thumb motion
- Rheumatoid disease
Signs & Symptoms
- “Catching” when moving thumb
- Gradual or sudden onset of pain:
- On the thumb side of the wrist
- Up the forearm
- Limited range of motion in thumb and wrist
- Swelling
- Worsening pain when:
- Grasping objects
- Twisting wrist
- Using hand and thumb
Tips & Treatment
- de Quervain’s syndrome is more common in middle-age women than in middle-age men.
- Because severity varies, it’s important to consult a qualified orthopedic hand doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
