What does De Quervain's tenosynovitis feel like?

De Quervain's causes pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, on the thumb side of the wrist. Pain typically worsens when you pinch, grip, or make a fist — or when moving the wrist with the thumb tucked in. A positive Finkelstein's test (thumb in fist, wrist bent toward the pinky) is a hallmark sign.

Can De Quervain's be treated without a corticosteroid injection or surgery?

Yes. Many cases respond well to a custom thumb spica splint, activity modification, and targeted tendon gliding exercises — especially when caught early. More stubborn cases may benefit from a corticosteroid injection alongside therapy. Surgery is rarely needed but is an option if other treatments fail.

How long does De Quervain's therapy take?

Symptoms often begin to improve within 4–8 weeks with consistent splinting and hand therapy. New moms and those with repetitive gripping demands may take longer due to ongoing load on the tendon. Staying consistent with the home program is the biggest factor in speed of recovery.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Therapy in Redondo Beach

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon sheath surrounding two tendons on the thumb side of your wrist — the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. When that sheath gets irritated from repetitive pinching, gripping, or lifting, it tightens around the tendons, causing pain and sometimes swelling right at the base of your thumb where it meets your wrist.

What is de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

It's sometimes called 'mommy thumb' because new parents develop it frequently from the repeated motion of lifting their baby with thumbs out. But it's not just new parents — cyclists gripping handlebars, skiers in a fall, office workers mousing for hours, anyone doing repetitive wrist and thumb motions is at risk. The classic test is the Finkelstein: tuck your thumb in your fist and bend your wrist toward your pinky. If that hurts at the base of your thumb, there's a good chance this is what you have.

Person holding their wrist in pain — a hallmark symptom of de Quervain's tenosynovitis

Close-up of a hand adjusting a wrist brace used in de Quervain's treatment

Who gets de Quervain's?

We see de Quervain's in new parents, caregivers, avid gardeners, musicians, cyclists, and office workers who use a mouse heavily. It's more common in women and tends to flare up during pregnancy and after childbirth due to hormonal changes. If pain at the base of your thumb is making it hard to open jars, pick things up, or text, you're not imagining it — and it's very treatable.

How do we treat it at Reach Beyond Therapy?

At Reach Beyond Therapy, every session is one-on-one — just you and your therapist, no aides, no rushing, no shortened sessions, and no shared appointments with other clients. Treatment for de Quervain's usually starts with a custom thumb spica splint to rest the irritated tendon sheath, along with guidance on which activities to modify while things calm down. We'll work through tendon gliding and nerve gliding exercises to restore mobility without flaring symptoms, and progressively build up your tolerance so you can get back to what matters — whether that's holding your baby, gripping handlebars, or working the garden again.

Pain at the base of your thumb when you grip or lift?

Book a free discovery consult and we'll assess what's going on and put a plan together that fits your life.

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De Quervain's Responds Well to the Right Care.

Reach Beyond Therapy proudly serves Redondo Beach, Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and Palos Verdes with expert hand therapy, custom splinting, and post-operative rehabilitation by a Certified Hand Therapist with over 10 years of experience.

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