Patient Guide: De Quervain Syndrome (‘Mommy Thumb’)

De Quervain Syndrome / Tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons at the thumb-side of the wrist, caused by a repetitive strain or overuse of the wrist or thumb.

De Quervain Syndrome is commonly seen in new mothers (hence the name ‘Mommy Thumb’) as a result of the repetitive and sustained splaying of the thumb away from the hand when picking up or holding a baby. In addition, there are a variety of other tasks and activities that can lead to the development of De Quervain Syndrome.

Risk factors for developing De Quervain Syndrome:

In addition to the demands on new mothers, the following activities can cause or aggravate the syndrome:

• Gardening
• Cooking
• Playing music
• Knitting
• Computer use
• Carpentry

Symptoms of De Quervain Syndrome:

• Pain and/or swelling at the base of the thumb.
• Difficulty moving the thumb into a splayed position, or pain with grasping or pinching motions.
• A catching sensation with certain thumb or wrist movements, as the inflamed tendons attempt to slide along the wrist.

Treatment of De Quervain Syndrome:

• Avoid the offending activity.
• If you can’t avoid it completely, try switching to your healthy hand. If you are a mom, try using your good hand to hold your baby, or switching hands more frequently. But beware, it is not uncommon to develop inflammation in both hands!
• Ice, rest, and anti-inflammatories.
• Seek physiotherapy treatment.

Physiotherapy Treatment of De Quervain Syndrome:

• Immobilizing the thumb and/or wrist may be necessary (via taping or a splint) to ensure rest of the tendons.
• Acupuncture or other modalities to help decrease the inflammation and increase the rate of tendon healing.
• Education on movements and positions to avoid / eliminate the repetitive strain
• Excercises to strengthen the wrist and thumb to speed return to function and to avoid repeat occurrences.