When is hand therapy recommended for De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis irritates the tendon coverings on the thumb side of the wrist. Lifting a baby, opening a jar, turning a key or repeated thumb use may increase pain. A hand therapist can identify aggravating positions, check thumb and wrist movement, and help you protect the tendons while maintaining useful function.

Reduce repeated pinching, forceful gripping and awkward wrist angles where possible. Use both hands for heavier tasks and keep the wrist in a comfortable, neutral position. A therapist may recommend a thumb-and-wrist support, teach movement exercises and adjust them as irritation settles. Avoid repeatedly testing the painful movement, and discuss pain relief options with a clinician if symptoms interfere with sleep or work.

Arrange an earlier clinical review if pain follows a fall, the wrist or thumb is visibly deformed, you cannot move the thumb, or numbness and weakness develop. Seek urgent help for marked redness, warmth, fever or rapidly increasing swelling, since these features may point to injury or infection rather than tendon irritation.

Ask whether the pain pattern matches De Quervain's tenosynovitis, whether a support would help, and which activities should be modified. Ask when to begin exercises, what level of discomfort is acceptable, and when an alternative treatment or specialist assessment should be considered.