What is the first treatment for De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis irritates the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Repeated lifting, wringing, texting or forceful gripping can make the tendon tunnel painful and swollen. A thumb-supporting splint limits movements that load these tendons while the wrist settles. More about [De Quervain's Tenosynovitis](/conditions/de-quervain-tenosynovitis/).

Reduce painful gripping and lift with the whole hand rather than the thumb alone. Keep the wrist in a neutral position and use cold briefly if it eases soreness. Wear a correctly fitted splint for the schedule advised by a clinician; [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) should not cause numbness or colour change. [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/) can guide safe motion as pain improves.

Seek assessment if pain follows an injury, swelling is marked, thumb movement is very limited, or symptoms continue despite reducing strain. Numbness, a cold or discoloured hand, or rapidly increasing pain needs prompt care. Depending on examination findings, options can include a [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) or, when symptoms remain troublesome, [De Quervain's Release](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/de-quervain-release/).

Which movements should I pause? Does my splint support both the thumb and wrist? When can I restart strengthening? Would an injection be suitable, and what findings would make surgery reasonable?