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Providing Understanding, Treatment, and Surgery
Orthopedic Specialists is committed to helping you find relief from De Quervain's disease, a painful condition affecting the tendons in your wrist and thumb. Our skilled team of orthopedic hand surgeons and wrist surgeons has extensive experience treating this condition, offering non-surgical and surgical options.
Our orthopedic doctors are recognized throughout Iowa as leaders in performing specialized hand and wrist procedures. That means your surgery will be performed by a team whose extraordinary base of shared knowledge and experience is virtually unmatched. We understand how De Quervain’s disease can impact your daily life, and we're here to provide effective, compassionate care.
What is De Quervain’s Disease? 
De Quervain's disease, also known as De Quervain's tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes pain and swelling around the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are strong, flexible cords that connect muscles to bones. In De Quervain’s, these tendons, which move the thumb, become inflamed and irritated as they pass through a narrow tunnel in the wrist. This leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb and wrist.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s Disease
- Pain at the base of the thumb that may radiate into the forearm
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Pain that worsens when gripping, pinching, or making thumb movements
- A feeling of snapping or popping when moving the thumb
- Stiffness in the thumb and wrist
The pain usually gets worse when you do activities that involve repetitive movements, like gripping, hammering, or lifting children.
Causes of De Quervain’s Disease
De Quervain’s disease can result from:
- Repetitive movements of the thumb and wrist (e.g., gripping, grasping)
- Overuse, especially in activities like sports or manual labor
- Health conditions like arthritis
- Pregnancy, which may increase fluid retention and inflammation
Non-Surgical De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Treatment Options
Before considering surgery, many patients find relief from De Quervain’s disease with non-surgical treatments, including:
- Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Splints: Wearing a splint to rest the wrist and thumb can help alleviate symptoms.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve mobility and decrease discomfort.
If these treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be recommended.
De Quervain’s Release Surgery
If non-surgical treatments don't resolve your symptoms, our surgeons may recommend De Quervain’s release surgery to relieve pain and restore thumb movement. This procedure is often performed as an outpatient surgery, allowing you to return home the same day.
What to Expect During De Quervain's Disease Surgery
De Quervain's release involves making a small incision near the base of the thumb. The surgeon then carefully opens the tight sheath surrounding the inflamed tendons, relieving pressure and allowing the tendons to glide freely. This process restores normal motion and reduces pain. De Quervain’s release is an outpatient procedure that requires the patient to be under general anesthesia. This means you won’t be awake for surgery and will therefore be comfortable and feel no pain.
Benefits of Surgery
The goal of surgery is to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by De Quervain’s disease by removing the obstruction around the tendons. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function of the thumb and wrist after surgery.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery from De Quervain's release surgery is generally straightforward. You will be given post-operative instructions, including:
- Keeping your hand elevated and bandaged for a few days
- Using a splint to protect your wrist as it heals
- Engaging in specific De Quervain's Tenosynovitis exercises and physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility
With proper care, most patients experience a full recovery in a few weeks and can return to their regular activities. Some mild discomfort may persist for a few weeks, but this usually improves over time.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Numbness in the thumb area
- Persistent pain or stiffness
However, these complications are rare, and our expert Iowa orthopedic surgeons take every precaution to minimize risks.
Is Surgery Needed for Tendinitis?
At Orthopedic Specialists, we offer personalized care to ensure you receive the best possible De Quervain’s disease treatments. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your condition and discuss your options, whether continuing with non-surgical treatments or moving forward with surgery.
If you're suffering from persistent pain or discomfort due to De Quervain’s disease, don't wait to seek help. Surgery could be the solution to restore your quality of life and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Get in Touch with Orthopedic Specialists Today
If you have questions about De Quervain’s disease or want to learn more about your treatment options, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced hand and wrist specialists. We’re committed to helping you regain mobility and live pain-free.
To learn more about what to expect when you undergo De Quervain’s release (De Quervain’s tendinitis surgery) please visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page.
