De Quervain’s syndrome is characterized by pain along the radial, or thumb, side of the wrist. Symptoms are worsened with motion of the wrist. It is so commonly found in women of childbearing age, that it was once called “new mother’s syndrome.” Although more often seen in women, it is found in either sex, at any age. The association with younger women is related, most likely, to the “scooping” motion used when picking up a small child. In fact, this side-to-side motion is found in many activities at work and at home. Not surprisingly therefore, we see this condition in people from all walks of life. The majority of cases occur with no known cause. De Quervain’s can also be associated with diabetes and hypothyroidism.

The diagnosis is made by folding the thumb under the other fingers and flexing the wrist toward the little finger. This test, known as Finklestein’s maneuver, will produce pain in the patient with De Quervain’s syndrome. One will also elicit discomfort by resisting extension of the thumb (the “hitchhiker’s” position) or by applying pressure over the radial wrist, near the base of the thumb. Your physician will need to distinguish this condition from arthritis of the thumb, which can produce similar symptoms.

De Quervain’s syndrome is a tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons that are used to move the thumb. They rub in the small tunnel in which they travel, producing pain.

Treatment consists of altering the activities that aggravate the problem. Splints may be used to rest the wrist. Steroid injections will be helpful in about two-thirds of patients. If pain continues, a small outpatient surgical procedure is performed to release the tendons from their tight constriction. This procedure, if necessary, does not require general anesthesia, and is successful in the vast majority of patients.