De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

This condition, also known as mother's wrist or de Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis, causes painful inflammation of the tendons that control the movement of the thumb. The tendons are called the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus tendons. Patients with de Quervain's tenosynovitis experience pain on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. They are also likely to have difficulty every time they turn their wrist, grasp objects or make a fist. Sometimes there might even be swelling and redness at the site.

Continual overuse of the wrist or activities requiring constant movement of the wrist such as gardening, playing music, cooking or lifting can easily aggravate the condition. Other possible causes include direct injury to your wrist or the tendons, scar tissue that restricts the movement of the tendons, and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. De Quervain's tenosynovitis appears to occur more often in women than men.

In most cases, standard treatment options like immobilizing your wrist, taking anti-inflammatory medications or receiving steroid injections are all that is necessary. If the pain persists after such treatments, hand surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is simply to release the tight covering of the tendons, which eliminates any friction causing inflammation and pain. Surgery is done on an outpatient basis.