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De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

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Last updated May 23, 2023

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What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. You feel pain when you turn your wrist, grasp anything, or make a fist. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon at the base of the thumb. This may be caused by repetitive actions.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms

Treatment

You should visit your primary care physician to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options. You can also reduce pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

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Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...
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