What is De Quervains syndrome?
Our muscles merge into tendons at either end, the tendons being attached to bone. Normally our muscles contract and transmit their force through our tendons in a painless way to produce movement. The tendon sheaths are membranous sleeves, which surround the tendon creating a lubricated, low-friction system for easy movement. De Quervain’s syndrome is an inflammatory condition affecting the tendon sheaths (tenosynovitis) that pass over the wrist joint. The inflammatory response occurs following injury and leads to the symptoms of pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss of function. The tendon itself may also become involved (tendonitis). Work tasks contribute to symptoms in a significant proportion of sufferers. Repetition, force, awkward or static postures, vibration, work speed and restricted tasks are all factors that may contribute to the development of this condition. Injury from strenuous athletic, DIY or sporting activity may also play a part. The condition usually responds to tre
