DeQuervain's Disease

DeQuervain's disease is named for the surgeon who first identified it in 1895. It is characterized by wrist pain. The pain results from several inflamed tendons connecting to the thumb rubbing against the tendon sheath through which they pass.

The pain from DeQuervain's syndrome is worse when the thumb is moved. There may be swelling on the thumb side of the wrist. Women between the ages of forty and fifty are particularly prone to the condition. A radiograph (x-ray) is often helpful to rule out other causes for the pain such as arthritis or a fracture.

Initially Dr. Cummins may treat this condition by injecting a cortisone solution into the tendon sheath. This will alleviate the symptoms. However, it is inadvisable to give repeated injections of cortisone. If your symptoms return, surgery can provide an effective and lasting solution. The procedure used to treat DeQuervain's disease is performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than an hour. A small bandage must be worn for one week. The stitches are removed after two weeks.