De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common, painful inflammation of two tendons that move your thumb. Most people with de Quervain’s will have pain at their wrist (just below the thumb) that will worsen with thumb or wrist movement. It is most often seen in women, especially in those who have recently had a child or those at the end of pregnancy – usually due to a combination of repetitive movement and an increase in swelling, which naturally occurs during pregnancy; however, all caregivers of young children can be susceptible to this overuse condition.
What can I do to prevent de Quervain’s?
The most important advice is to avoid overuse and repetitive motions of your wrist and thumb. Moving your thumb or wrist from side to side repeatedly (thumb side to little finger side) can provoke symptoms. Changing the way we do things to rely on stronger, more capable muscles to do a job is helpful.
Specifically for new parents and caregivers, some tips include:
