Services
Hip and Knee Specialist Physiotherapy Foot and Ankle Specialist Physiotherapy Pelvic Health Specialist Physiotherapy Elbow. Wrist and Hand Specialist Physiotherapy Neck, Lower and Mid Spine Specialist Physiotherapy Shoulder Specialist Physiotherapy Joint Injections
Conditions
Tendinopathies Osteoarthritis Hip and Knee Pain Foot and Ankle Pain Elbow. Wrist and Hand Pain Pelvic Health Pain Back and Neck Pain Shoulder Pain
Book a call

De Quervain's Syndrome


De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling on the thumb side of your wrist. It happens when the tendons that help move your thumb become irritated and inflamed. 

This can make simple daily activities painful and difficult.
Gripping and lifting for example picking up objects, opening jars, or holding a baby can be painful. 
Typing and writing, using a keyboard, texting, or holding a pen may feel uncomfortable. 
Twisting movements such as turning doorknobs, wringing out a cloth, or using a screwdriver can cause sharp pain. 
Pushing and Pulling actions like pushing a pram, vacuuming, or pulling a suitcase can aggravate symptoms. 

The pain may start gradually but can worsen over time, making it harder to use your hand as usual. If you're struggling with wrist and thumb pain, our specialist physiotherapists can help reduce discomfort and get you back to doing the things you love.

The good news is that with the right treatment, including specialist physiotherapy, targeted exercises, and activity modifications, you can reduce pain, improve function, and get back to moving comfortably.

Find Out How We Can Help you Manage De Quervain's Syndrome

How Solent Specialist Physiotherapy Can Help Manage De Quervain's Syndrome

 At Solent Specialist Physiotherapy, our hand specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat De Quervain’s tenosynovitis effectively, helping you regain pain-free movement and function. 

Accurate diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. Our specialist physiotherapists will thoroughly assess your symptoms, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and ruling out other conditions. If necessary, we can arrange imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI) to confirm the extent of the issue. 

Once diagnosed, we create a clear, structured rehabilitation plan to support your recovery, which may include: 

1.Activity Modification – Advice on how to adjust daily tasks to prevent flare-ups. 


2.Targeted Exercises – Proven, evidence-based strengthening and stretching to improve function and reduce strain. 


3.Splinting & Supports – Custom recommendations for wrist/thumb braces to relieve tendon irritation. 
4.Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to ease stiffness and improve movement. 

5.Advanced Treatment Options - As we are specialist physiotherapists, for cases that require additional support, we can administer a steroid injection to reduce inflammation and aid recovery.

We will ensure you receive the best possible care, whether through rehab alone or in combination with medical interventions. 

With our expert-led approach, we help you regain control, reduce pain, and get back to doing the things you love—without discomfort.

How To Test For De Quervain's:

Finkelstein’s test is a simple way to check for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition affecting the tendons in the thumb and wrist. 

How to do it: 
1. Hold your affected hand out with your palm facing inwards. 
2. Make a fist by tucking your thumb inside your fingers. 
3. Slowly bend your wrist down towards your little finger. 

What to look for:
If this movement causes sharp pain along the thumb side of your wrist, it may indicate De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. 

A specialist physiotherapist can perform this test accurately and guide you on the best treatment options