DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mother’s Wrist)

DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, sometime’s referred to as “Mother’s Wrist” because of its common incidence in new mothers who pick up their babies, is an inflammation of the sheath that wraps around the tendons that control movement of the thumb. These two tendons are known as the Extensor Hallucis Brevis and the Abductor Hallucis Longus.

DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis is caused mainly by overuse, particularly from forceful gripping with activities that require movements of the wrist. Less commonly, it can be caused by direct trauma to the wrist.

Symptoms can include pain and tenderness on the side of the wrist and hand below the thumb. Treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, bracing of the wrist and thumb, and steroid injections. If these are not successful, surgery may be needed.