What causes De Quervains Tendonitis?
The cause of the pain associated with De Quervain’s tendonitis is inflammation around the tendons of two distinct muscles called the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. The tendons on the side and back of the wrist run through a “pulley”, analogous to a fishing line running through the eyelets of a fishing pole. The tendon normally slides smoothly, but inflammation and swelling around the tendon can cause it to snag and get caught on the pulley causing pain. Q: Who gets De Quervain’s Tendonitis? A: Anybody can develop De Quervain’s tendonitis at any age. Diabetes, pregnancy and thyroid disease are occasionally associated with De Quervain’s tendonitis. Q: What can be done? A: Initial treatment with a thumb splint, rest and an oral anti-inflammatory is helpful. The most effective non-surgical treatment for De Quervain’s tendonitis is an injection of cortisone (a type of steroid) around the tendon to decrease the swelling. If this does not help or if the pain recurs, su
