De Quervain's tenosynovitis is irritation and thickening of the tunnel that two thumb tendons pass through on the thumb side of the wrist. It causes pain when gripping, pinching or lifting, especially with the thumb tucked in. A steroid injection followed by a few weeks in a thumb splint is the best-supported treatment, and most people improve without surgery.
Also known as De Quervain's syndrome, mummy thumb, texting thumb
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain when gripping, pinching, wringing or lifting (for example, lifting a baby)
- Swelling over the tendons near the base of the thumb
- Pain that may spread up the forearm or into the thumb
- A catching or creaking feeling when moving the thumb
- Sharp pain when the thumb is folded into the palm and the wrist bent towards the little finger
Causes and risk factors
- Thickening of the tendon sheath, which narrows the tunnel the tendons glide through
- Being female and aged 40 to 60
- Pregnancy and the months after birth
- Possibly repeated lifting or awkward thumb and wrist positions, though the evidence is mixed
- Natural variations in the anatomy of the tunnel
- Diabetes and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
What the evidence says helps
- A large review of 30 trials found that a steroid injection followed by three to four weeks in a thumb splint ranked best for improving hand function. The added benefit of the splint over injection alone was small.1
- A thumb splint on its own was among the least effective options in the same review, so splinting alone may not be enough for persistent symptoms.1
- There is moderate evidence that steroid injection gives short-term relief, and adding a thumb splint to an injection may help in the short and medium term.2
- Evidence for anti-inflammatory tablets as a first treatment is weak. Surgery to release the tunnel is reserved for people who do not improve with other treatment.1
- In a large insurance database, a single injection was the only treatment needed for around 7 in 10 people, and repeat injections still often helped.4
Things you can try at home
- Reduce or change the movements that provoke pain, such as repeated pinching or wringing
- When lifting a baby, scoop with your palms and forearms rather than your thumbs
- Try an over-the-counter thumb and wrist splint for comfort during flare-ups
- Keep the rest of the hand and wrist moving gently within comfort
- Take regular breaks from phone use and repetitive hand tasks
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Seek same-day advice from NHS 111 or your GP if the wrist is hot, red and swollen, or you have a fever
- Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if pain started after a fall onto your hand, especially if the hollow at the base of your thumb is tender, as this could be a fracture
- See a GP urgently if several joints become swollen and stiff at the same time
- See a GP if you develop numbness, or if symptoms are not improving after a few weeks
How Apollo can help
We can assess your wrist and thumb, rule out other causes such as thumb-base arthritis or a fracture after a fall, and explain the problem. We give practical advice on adapting daily tasks, including lifting and feeding a baby, and on choosing and using a thumb splint. When pain eases we can guide a gradual strengthening programme. We do not give injections, so if an injection or surgical opinion is likely to help we will advise you to see your GP.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How long does De Quervain's tenosynovitis take to heal?
It varies. Some people improve within a few weeks of changing activities, while others have symptoms for months. An injection with a short period of splinting often speeds up recovery when simpler measures have not worked.
Why is it common after having a baby?
Hormone and fluid changes in pregnancy and after birth, together with repeated lifting with the thumbs spread, may irritate the tendon tunnel. Changing how you lift and hold your baby can reduce strain, and symptoms often settle with time.
Does it need surgery?
Most people do not need surgery. It is usually considered only when symptoms continue despite injection and splinting. A minor operation can release the tunnel, and your GP can refer you if needed.
References
- Challoumas D, Ramasubbu R, Rooney E, Seymour-Jackson E, Putti A, Millar NL (2023). Management of de Quervain tenosynovitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open. View source
- Huisstede B, et al. (2017). Effectiveness of conservative, surgical, and postsurgical interventions for trigger finger, Dupuytren disease, and De Quervain disease: a systematic review. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. View source
- Wolf J, et al. (2008). Incidence of de Quervain's tenosynovitis in a young, active population. Journal of Hand Surgery. View source
- Hassan K, et al. (2021). De Quervain tenosynovitis: an evaluation of the epidemiology and utility of multiple injections using a national database. Journal of Hand Surgery. View source
- Stahl S, et al. (2015). Work related etiology of de Quervain's tenosynovitis: a case-control study with prospectively collected data. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
