De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common cause of wrist and thumb pain in Singapore. It happens when the tendons that control thumb movement become irritated within a narrow tunnel at the wrist. This leads to pain during gripping, lifting, twisting motions, or thumb use.
This condition commonly affects new parents, office workers, athletes, and anyone performing repetitive wrist or thumb movements. Without early care, symptoms may worsen and limit daily tasks such as lifting objects, typing, or opening bottles.
If you feel pain at the thumb side of your wrist, reduce repetitive hand activities, avoid forceful gripping, and apply ice for 10–15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities. Early assessment and structured treatment improve recovery and prevent chronic tendon irritation.
If you're unsure whether your wrist pain is caused by De Quervain’s, our GP and physiotherapy team can assess the condition, advise whether imaging is needed, and guide you through a safe and effective rehabilitation plan.
Disclaimer:
The following page is not meant as a replacement for a physical consult and examination with our Doctors and is meant as educational information and general guiding principles for patients. Each patient should be managed according to their unique condition, and this page is also not meant as a guarantee for the flow of services that patients will receive at Regis Medical. For example, a patient who presents with signs of a suspected fracture, severe tendon injury, or significant wrist instability may require further assessment at separate locations first, before undergoing physiotherapy safely.
What to Do When De Quervain’s Pain Starts
1. Reduce Strain on the Thumb & Wrist
- Avoid repetitive gripping or lifting
- Pause activities that require twisting (e.g., opening jars)
- Use the other hand when possible
2. Manage Pain & Irritation
- Ice the painful area for 10–15 minutes
- Avoid deep massage directly over the tendon
- Use a thumb-spica splint to rest the tendons
3. Gentle, Pain-Free Movement
- Gentle wrist and finger movements
- Avoid strong stretching or resistance training early on
- Keep thumb movement minimal if painful
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
This condition involves irritation of the two tendons responsible for lifting and extending the thumb:
- Abductor pollicis longus (APL)
- Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB)
These tendons pass through a tight space known as the first dorsal compartment. Repetitive use, overloading, or poor wrist posture causes inflammation and friction within the tunnel.
Common Causes
- Repetitive gripping
- Lifting babies or heavy items
- Frequent phone use
- Typing or mouse use with bent wrists
- Sports involving the wrist or thumb
- Overuse in gym workouts
Symptoms Often Include
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Waking up at night with numb hands
- Hand weakness or dropping objects
- Tingling when driving or using a phone
Red Flags! Seek Medical Care Immediately
- Persistent numbness that does not resolve
- Increasing hand weakness
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Severe wrist pain after trauma
- Worsening symptoms despite rest
Common Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain when lifting or gripping objects
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty opening bottles or jars
- Pain when turning the wrist
- Pain when performing the Finkelstein test (thumb in fist, wrist angled down)
Red Flags! Seek Medical Care Immediately
- Severe pain after a sudden force
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb or fingers
- Significant swelling or bruising
- Inability to grip objects
- Pain that rapidly worsens despite rest
Self-Check: How Severe Is My De Quervain’s?
Mild
- Pain only with certain movements
- No swelling
- Improves with rest
Moderate
- Pain during daily activities
- Difficulty gripping or lifting
- May need physiotherapy
Severe
- Pain at rest
- Increased swelling
- Grip weakness
- Requires GP evaluation and possibly imaging
When to See a Doctor in Singapore
While many cases of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis improve with early care, some wrist conditions may be more serious than they initially appear. Scaphoid fractures, ligament tears, tendon subluxation, TFCC injuries, or early arthritis can present with symptoms similar to routine tendon irritation along the thumb side of the wrist.
If there is severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty gripping, or symptoms that worsen despite rest, please consult a doctor promptly or visit an Emergency or Urgent Care Department for evaluation. This information is for education and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
Visit a Doctor if:
- Pain persists for more than 2–3 days
- Grip strength is affected
- You cannot lift or hold objects comfortably
- Rest and activity modification do not help
- Symptoms worsen with time
In the above instances, it would be highly recommended by doctors to rule out more serious wrist injuries using appropriate imaging, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, and for the patient to be assessed by an Emergency Physician or Orthopaedic Surgery Specialist before beginning physiotherapy. Early identification of structural wrist conditions is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment.
GP Diagnosis & Treatment
Our GP will assess wrist and thumb movement, tendon tenderness, and functional limitations.
An X-ray or Ultrasound May Be Needed If:
- Pain persists despite early treatment
- Diagnosis is unclear
- Swelling is significant
- A tendon tear or arthritis is suspected
What Our GP Can Provide
- Diagnosis and severity grading
- Anti-inflammatory or pain medication (if appropriate)
- Thumb-spica bracing advice
- Medical certificate (MC) if rest is required
- Referral for imaging when needed
- Same-day referral to in-house physiotherapy (If available and deemed suitable)
Physiotherapy for De Quervain's Syndrome
Our in-house physiotherapy can help with tendon irritation, restores mobility, and prevents recurrence.
1. Pain & Inflammation Reduction
- Soft tissue release
- Manual therapy around the wrist
- Ice or therapeutic modalities if indicated
- Taping for tendon support
2. Mobility & Tendon Gliding
- Thumb and wrist mobility exercises
- Controlled tendon glides
- Forearm flexibility work
3. Strengthening & Stability
- Wrist flexor/extensor strengthening
- Grip strengthening
- Thumb stabiliser strengthening
- Forearm and wrist control training
4. Functional Technique Correction
- Ergonomic adjustments for phone/keyboard use
- Lifting technique modification
- Activity pacing strategies
Acupuncture as a Complementary Treatment Option
Some patients benefit from acupuncture for De Quervain's Syndrome. Acupuncture can help ease wrist pain, reduce tendon irritation, and improve circulation.
Our clinic offers in-house acupuncture integrated with physiotherapy and GP care for a smoother recovery. However, not every patient might be suitable for Acupuncture, and will have to be assessed for suitability by our Doctors first, before proceeding.
Can You Exercise With De Quervain’s?
Yes, with proper modifications.
Our physiotherapists can guide you on:
- Safe alternatives for gym training
- Activity adjustments to avoid flare-ups
- When to restart gripping or lifting exercises
- How to strengthen without irritating the tendon
Preventing Future Flare-Ups
- Maintain neutral wrist posture
- Strengthen forearm and thumb muscles
- Avoid repetitive gripping when possible
- Use ergonomic tools or splints when needed
- Take frequent breaks from repetitive thumb use
How our integrative care helps
Consult Our Doctors
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can affect daily activities, work, and childcare, but early treatment leads to faster recovery.
Contact us to arrange a consultation with our doctor.
We’ll help you recover safely and return to pain-free hand and wrist function.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
