What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the sheaths of the tendons that move the thumb up and out (away from the hand). It is technically referred to as a stenosing tenosynovitis because both the tendons and their surrounding tissue sheaths are involved, in the area where the tendon has to go through a small fibro-osseous tunnel at the wrist. The inflamed tenosynovium becomes painful at the tunnel area.
Like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome , it is a condition often brought about by overuse. In this case a wringing action of the wrists is most frequently responsible-hence “washerwoman’s sprain.”
It is far more common in women than in men. New mothers may develop De Quervain’s tenosynovitis from picking up their newborn babies. It is not associated with any systemic disease nor dangerous condition, but it usually requires medical treatment to resolve.