About De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is thumb-side wrist pain from irritated tendons that often flares in new parents, cyclists, and desk workers. Physical therapy calms the irritation and rebuilds thumb and forearm strength with position and load strategies. The goal is pain-free gripping, lifting, and daily tasks.
Expected Recovery Window
Typical: 4–8 weeks with unloading and progressive strengthening. Persistent cases: 8–12+ weeks. Injection or surgical referral for severe cases.
Common Symptoms
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist; pain with gripping, lifting, or twisting; swelling or thickening over the thumb tendons; pain with thumb extension or opening jars; positive Finkelstein test pain.
Common Causes
Repetitive thumb use with wrist deviation (lifting a baby, texting, gaming); tendon irritation from cycling or lifting; postpartum fluid changes; new or increased manual work; prolonged gripping with the wrist bent.
How We Treat De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
We reduce irritation with activity modification and tendon unloading strategies, then rebuild capacity with progressive thumb and wrist strengthening. We also address forearm mobility and ergonomic drivers, and coordinate with your physician if a brace or injection is appropriate.
