De Quervain’s Tendinitis is a condition involving the constriction and irritation of swollen tendons around the base of the thumb resulting in pain, tenderness, swelling and an inability to twist the wrist or grasp objects. Its appearance is largely due to an inherited predisposition most common in perimenopausal or pregnant women, though men can also suffer from it.

Common to musicians, racket sports and fly fishing enthusiasts who use repetitive and forceful side-to-side wrist motions, De Quervain’s Tendinitis can appear in patients ranging from adolescence to old age. Baseball pitchers can suffer from this form of tendinitis when their throwing mechanics are deficient.

The condition may respond to rest, icing, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injection. In severe or chronic cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve constriction.