De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist. These tendons are involved in many of the movements we perform every day, including gripping, lifting, pinching and moving the thumb.
When the tendons and the surrounding tendon sheath become irritated, movement can become painful and restricted. Pain is typically felt near the base of the thumb and may extend into the wrist or forearm.
De Quervain’s is often aggravated by repetitive hand and wrist movements. It can occur in people whose work involves frequent gripping, lifting or repetitive use of the hands, as well as during activities such as gardening, racquet sports and weight training. It is also commonly associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period, when repeatedly lifting and holding a baby can place additional strain on the wrist.
Acupuncture may be used as part of a conservative approach to managing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, particularly when pain and restricted movement are affecting everyday activities.
Research examining acupuncture for De Quervain’s has reported promising results for pain reduction, although further high-quality research is required
At Axis Acupuncture, we use an individualised approach to assess the location and nature of your wrist pain and determine an appropriate acupuncture treatment strategy. Treatment does not necessarily mean inserting needles directly into the painful wrist.
Using distal acupuncture approaches, including Balance Method principles, we may select acupuncture points elsewhere on the body that correspond to the affected wrist and thumb. This can be particularly useful when the local area is highly sensitive or painful.
Acupuncture May Assist With:
- Reducing wrist and thumb pain
- Managing local discomfort and sensitivity
- Improving comfortable movement of the wrist and thumb
- Supporting normal hand and wrist function
- Reducing muscular tension associated with compensating for the injury
- Supporting recovery alongside appropriate activity modification and rehabilitation
Common Symptoms of
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Pain at the Base of the Thumb
One of the most characteristic symptoms is pain on the thumb side of the wrist, particularly around the base of the thumb. The pain may initially occur only with certain movements but can become more persistent as irritation increases.
Pain When Gripping or Lifting
Gripping objects, opening jars, carrying shopping bags, using tools or lifting a baby can aggravate symptoms. Movements that combine gripping with wrist movement can be particularly uncomfortable.
Pain with Thumb Movement
Moving the thumb away from the hand, extending it or using it to pinch an object may reproduce pain along the affected tendons.
Wrist Pain
Pain may extend from the base of the thumb into the wrist and sometimes further up the forearm. Turning the wrist, making a fist or moving the wrist towards the little-finger side may increase symptoms.
Swelling
Some people notice mild swelling around the thumb side of the wrist. The area may also feel tender when pressed.
Reduced Grip Strength
Pain can make it difficult to grip firmly, and people may notice that everyday activities requiring hand strength become increasingly uncomfortable.
Clicking or Restricted Movement
In some cases, movement of the thumb may feel restricted, uncomfortable or accompanied by a catching or clicking sensation.
For more frequently asked questions, click here.
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