De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Physiotherapy in Singapore

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tendons that control thumb movement. These tendons run from the forearm, pass through a narrow tunnel at the wrist, and attach to the thumb.

When the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, movement of the thumb and wrist can become painful and restricted. This condition commonly affects people who perform repetitive hand movements, including athletes, office workers, parents lifting infants, and individuals involved in manual work.

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, located on East Coast Road in Singapore, our physiotherapists provide specialised treatment programmes to reduce pain, restore thumb movement, and prevent recurrence of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

What Causes De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is considered a repetitive strain injury (RSI) that develops when the thumb tendons become irritated through repeated use.

The tendons responsible for thumb movement pass through a narrow tunnel near the wrist and wrap around a small bony prominence. Repeated movement can cause friction between the tendon and surrounding tissues.

Over time, this friction can lead to microtrauma and inflammation of the tendon sheath, resulting in pain and reduced thumb mobility.

Common contributing factors include:

Repetitive Thumb and Wrist Movements

Activities that require repeated gripping, pinching, or twisting can overload the tendons.

Examples include:

• Lifting or carrying babies
• Opening jars or bottles
• Using smartphones or gaming devices
• Typing or repetitive office work
• Racquet sports

Overuse Injuries

Excessive strain on the thumb and wrist may gradually irritate the tendon sheath.

Sudden Increase in Activity

Rapid increases in workload or training intensity can also trigger symptoms.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen with continued activity.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
• Swelling around the thumb tendons
• Pain that worsens with gripping or twisting movements
• Difficulty moving the thumb or wrist
• A catching or snapping sensation during thumb movement
• A creaking or grinding feeling (crepitus) when moving the thumb
• Localised warmth around the affected area
• Pain that may radiate up the forearm

Daily activities such as opening jars, lifting objects, or holding a baby may become painful.

What Should You Do If You Have De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

If you suspect you have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, it is important to seek professional physiotherapy assessment as early as possible.

Without treatment, continued use of the thumb and wrist can worsen inflammation and prolong recovery.

While waiting for assessment, you should:

• Avoid activities that aggravate pain
• Reduce repetitive thumb movements
• Rest the affected hand where possible

Early treatment helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Physiotherapy Treatment for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, our physiotherapists perform a thorough assessment to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.

Based on this assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed.

Treatment may include:

Activity Modification

Reducing repetitive thumb and wrist movements helps allow the tendon to recover.

Manual Therapy

Joint mobilisation techniques can improve movement in the wrist and surrounding joints.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Massage and soft tissue techniques help reduce muscle tension and tendon irritation.

Stretching Exercises

Targeted stretching improves flexibility and reduces tendon strain.

Strengthening Exercises

Gradual strengthening helps restore function and prevent recurrence.

Taping Techniques

Supportive taping may reduce strain on the thumb tendons during activity.

Electrotherapy

Modalities such as ultrasound or TENS may help reduce pain and inflammation.

What Should You Avoid With De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

If you have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, you should avoid activities that increase tendon irritation.

These include:

• Repetitive thumb movements
• Heavy gripping or twisting tasks
• Ignoring persistent wrist pain
• Continuing sports or activities that cause discomfort

Delaying treatment may worsen symptoms and prolong recovery.

Long-Term Outlook for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

With appropriate physiotherapy treatment, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis usually resolves without long-term complications.

However, inadequate treatment or continued overuse of the wrist may lead to:

• Persistent wrist pain
• Reduced thumb strength
• Difficulty performing daily activities

Early physiotherapy significantly improves recovery outcomes and helps prevent recurrence.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment at ACE PHYSIO SPORTS

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, our physiotherapists specialise in treating hand injuries, tendon disorders, and repetitive strain injuries.

Our personalised rehabilitation programmes focus on:

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Restoring thumb and wrist mobility
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Preventing recurrence of tendon injuries
• Supporting safe return to work, sport, and daily activities

Our clinic is conveniently located on East Coast Road in Singapore, serving patients from Katong, Marine Parade, and surrounding areas.

To arrange an appointment:

📞 Call +65 81535374 🌐 Visit acephysiosport.com