Overview
De Quervain’s Disease, also called De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It is caused by inflammation of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty gripping objects. In Korea, patients benefit from early diagnosis, physical therapy, and surgical intervention at top orthopedic centers such as Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center, and Samsung Medical Center.
What is De Quervain’s Disease?
De Quervain’s Disease is a tendon sheath inflammation affecting the wrist’s radial side. It is common among adults performing repetitive hand or wrist movements, including new mothers lifting infants, office workers, and manual laborers. The condition can be acute or chronic, with symptoms worsening over time if untreated.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty gripping, pinching, or lifting objects
- Pain that worsens with thumb and wrist movement
- Sometimes a “sticking” or “catching” sensation in the thumb tendons
Causes
- Repetitive hand or wrist movements (typing, lifting, twisting)
- Pregnancy-related fluid retention (often in new mothers)
- Direct injury or trauma to the thumb or wrist
- Rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory conditions
- Unknown idiopathic causes in some patients
Risk Factors
- Female gender, particularly postpartum women
- Occupations involving repetitive hand motions
- Middle age (30–50 years)
- Existing inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
- Repeated strain on thumb and wrist tendons
Complications
- Chronic pain and swelling if untreated
- Limited thumb mobility affecting daily activities
- Weak grip or inability to perform fine motor tasks
- Potential progression to tendon thickening or stenosis
- Rarely, nerve irritation in the wrist region
Prevention
- Avoid repetitive strain on the thumb and wrist
- Use ergonomic tools and maintain proper hand positioning
- Take regular breaks during repetitive activities
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the wrist and thumb
- Early medical evaluation if pain or swelling develops
Treatment Options in Korea
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring thumb function.
- Diagnosis
- Physical examination including the Finkelstein test
- Ultrasound or MRI to assess tendon inflammation
- Assessment of occupational or activity-related risk factors
- Medical Treatments
- Rest and immobilization with a thumb spica splint
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments
- Surgical Treatments
- Decompression surgery for severe or unresponsive cases
- Release of the tendon sheath to reduce friction and pain
- Postoperative physical therapy to restore mobility
- Rehabilitation & Supportive Care
- Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
- Occupational therapy for adaptation in daily tasks
- Education on posture and hand ergonomics to prevent recurrence
- Specialized Hospitals in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital – Orthopedic and hand surgery clinic
- Asan Medical Center – Advanced tendon treatment and rehabilitation
- Samsung Medical Center – Comprehensive musculoskeletal care
- Local orthopedic clinics for splinting, injection therapy, and follow-up
- Long-Term Follow-Up
- Monitoring for recurrence or persistent inflammation
- Gradual return to normal activities under guidance
- Ongoing hand exercises to maintain function and prevent flare-ups
