What are the treatment options for de quervain's tenosynovitis?

This condition irritates the tendons that move the thumb along the thumb side of the wrist. Lifting, gripping, wringing, or repeated thumb motion can increase pain and swelling. Treatment is selected according to tenderness, movement, symptom duration, and how much daily activity is affected. A clinician may also check for arthritis or another wrist problem that can feel similar.

Reduce painful gripping and lifting while keeping the rest of the hand gently active. [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) can rest the thumb and wrist together. [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/) can teach joint-protection techniques and graded return to movement. A [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) may be offered when symptoms do not settle. If pain remains limiting, [De Quervain's Release](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/de-quervain-release/) can open the tight tendon compartment.

Book an assessment if thumb-side wrist pain persists, interferes with childcare or work, or makes gripping difficult. Seek prompt care after an injury with marked swelling, deformity, loss of thumb movement, or new numbness. Increasing redness, warmth, or drainage around an injection or wound also needs medical review.

Which movements should I pause, and for how long? Would a thumb-and-wrist support fit my symptoms? Is an injection suitable, and what would make release surgery the next step?