What is deQuervain's Tenosynovitis?

DeQuervain's (pronounced DEH-ker-vanes) Tenosynovitis, also known as deQuervain's tendinitis and deQuervain's disease, is a condition that is caused by inflammation of tendons in the wrist, characterized by pain and swelling in the thumb and wrist areas.  Onset of this condition is typically between 30 to 50 years of age and occurs in females more often than males, with reported ratios ranging from three to ten females to one male. 

What Causes deQuervain's Tenosynovitis?

DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis is caused by the inflammation of the tendons that straighten or bring the thumb away from the hand.  Causes include repetitive pinching or gripping combined with tilting of the wrist.  Maintaining a prolonged position of pinch or grasp combined with tilting the wrist toward the little finger may also cause inflammation.  DeQuervain's may also be caused by a direct blow to the side of the wrist or to a ganglion cyst.

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