De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Treatment in Chapin, SC
Everyday tasks like lifting a coffee mug, picking up your child, or typing at your desk shouldn’t come with a sharp twinge of pain. But if you’re noticing discomfort, swelling, or tenderness along the thumb side of your wrist, it could be more than just overuse—it may be De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, a condition that can make even simple movements challenging.
At Palmetto Bone & Joint, our board-certified orthopedic specialists offer precise diagnosis and customized treatment plans to help you find lasting relief. With advanced therapies, compassionate care, and a focus on getting you back to your normal activities, we’re here to restore your comfort and mobility.
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What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, sometimes referred to as thumb tendonitis or De Quervain’s tendonitis, occurs when the tendons around the base of your thumb become irritated or inflamed. This can cause pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting your wrist.
Common De Quervain tenosynovitis symptoms include:
- Thumb pain when gripping or lifting objects
- Swelling and pain at the base of the thumb
- Difficulty gripping or pinching objects
- Wrist tendonitis that causes pain when rotating or lifting the wrist
- A “catching” or “sticking” sensation in the thumb
Why Does De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Happen?
This condition often develops from repetitive strain or overuse of the thumb and wrist. Everyday activities like gardening, playing sports, lifting children, or performing repetitive workplace tasks can gradually irritate and inflame the tendons.
Other risk factors include:
- Overuse or repetitive wrist/thumb motions
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Direct injuries to the wrist
Diagnosis at Palmetto Bone & Joint
Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief. Our orthopedic specialists take the time to listen to your symptoms, examine your wrist and thumb, and perform targeted tests to pinpoint the cause of your pain.
One common method is the Finkelstein test, where we gently guide your thumb and wrist into a specific position to see if it triggers discomfort. When needed, imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions and ensure we create the most effective treatment plan for you.
Other Specialized Treatment Areas
We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments, tailored to your needs and activity level.
FAQs About De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
If your hand and wrist pain persists for more than a week, worsens over time, or interferes with daily activities, you should schedule an appointment with Palmetto Bone & Joint’s hand and wrist pain specialist. Early evaluation can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic and more difficult to treat.
A cortisone shot can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation around the affected tendons. Many patients notice improvement within days, and for some, the pain may resolve completely after one injection. Our team will evaluate whether this treatment is right for you based on the stage of your condition and any other underlying health factors.
Start with rest, ice application, and gentle stretching exercises recommended by your orthopedic provider. Avoid activities that cause strain, and consider using a supportive thumb splint to limit movement. These steps can help reduce discomfort while you wait for a formal evaluation.
Yes, non-surgical treatments can be very effective, especially when started early. These may include splinting, physical therapy, activity modifications, and anti-inflammatory medications. Many patients find they can return to normal activities without surgery when these methods are used consistently and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Incorporating proper ergonomics, taking frequent breaks from repetitive motions, and strengthening the muscles around your wrist and thumb can help reduce recurrence. If you’ve had wrist pain when lifting or noticed a swollen thumb side of wrist in the past, paying attention to these warning signs early can help you avoid future flare-ups.
Get Back to Living Without Wrist & Thumb Pain
Thumb and wrist pain shouldn’t keep you from doing the things you love, whether that’s enjoying hobbies or simply getting through your workday without discomfort. At Palmetto Bone & Joint in Chapin, SC, our orthopedic specialists provide advanced, personalized care to help you move freely again. Request an appointment online to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to lasting relief.