De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Treatment in Hyderabad
Pain on the thumb side of your wrist when gripping or twisting? Get expert diagnosis and treatment for De Quervain's tenosynovitis at Apollo Hospitals Financial District.
15-20 minutes
70-80% relief
₹30,000 - ₹50,000
What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis (pronounced "deh-kwer-VAINS") is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It occurs when the two tendons that move the thumb (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) become inflamed and thickened within their tendon sheath.
The condition is sometimes called "mommy thumb" or "gamer's thumb" because it commonly affects new mothers who repeatedly lift their babies, and people who use smartphones excessively. Any activity requiring repetitive thumb and wrist movements can trigger this condition.
De Quervain's is 8-10 times more common in women than men, particularly in the 30-50 age group. Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy at Apollo Hospitals Financial District offers comprehensive treatment ranging from conservative management to surgical release.
Symptoms
• Pain on the thumb side of wrist
• Swelling near the base of thumb
• Pain when gripping or making a fist
• Difficulty moving thumb and wrist
• Pain radiating up the forearm
• Lifting a child or heavy object
• Turning a doorknob or key
• Using smartphone (texting)
• Wringing clothes
• Playing racquet sports
Finkelstein Test
The diagnostic test for De Quervain's: Make a fist with your thumb tucked inside your fingers, then bend your wrist toward your little finger. Sharp pain at the thumb-side wrist confirms De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Treatment Options
- Thumb spica splint: Immobilizes thumb and wrist, worn for 4-6 weeks
- Activity modification: Avoid aggravating activities, ergonomic adjustments
- NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
- Corticosteroid injection: 70-80% success rate with 1-2 injections, provides 2-6 months relief
Surgery is recommended when:
- Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
- Multiple injections have failed
- Severe pain affecting daily activities
Procedure: A small incision is made at the thumb-side wrist, and the first dorsal compartment is released to decompress the tendons. Surgery takes 15-20 minutes under local anaesthesia as a day care procedure.
Success rate: Over 90% with complete resolution of symptoms.
Recovery Timeline
Initial Healing
Dressing care, gentle thumb movements
Suture Removal
Return to light activities
Progressive Use
Normal daily activities, no heavy lifting
Full Recovery
Return to sports and heavy activities
Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
Cost Range
- Steroid Injection₹2,500 - ₹4,000
- De Quervain's Release₹30,000 - ₹50,000
Insurance
Surgery is covered by most health insurance policies. Cashless treatment available at Apollo Hospitals for network insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis?+
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis). It causes pain when gripping, twisting, or making a fist with the thumb inside.
How is De Quervain's diagnosed?+
Diagnosis is primarily clinical using the Finkelstein test – making a fist with the thumb tucked inside and bending the wrist towards the little finger. Sharp pain at the thumb-side wrist confirms the diagnosis. Ultrasound can show tendon thickening.
How much does De Quervain's surgery cost in Hyderabad?+
De Quervain's release surgery in Hyderabad costs approximately ₹30,000 to ₹50,000. This includes surgeon fees, day care facility, and local anaesthesia. Insurance coverage is typically available at Apollo Hospitals.
What causes De Quervain's tenosynovitis?+
Common causes include repetitive hand and wrist movements, new mothers lifting babies, smartphone overuse ("texting thumb"), hobbies requiring repetitive thumb movements, and direct trauma. It's 8-10 times more common in women.
How long does recovery take after surgery?+
Most patients can use their hand normally within 2-4 weeks after De Quervain's release surgery. Sutures are removed at 10-14 days. Full recovery including return to sports typically takes 6 weeks.
YOUR TREATING SURGEON
Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic & Upper-Limb Surgeon | Apollo Hospitals
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Why Choose Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy?
International fellowship training combined with decades of experience delivering world-class upper limb care
UK CCT
Certificate of Completion of Training - One of few Indian surgeons with NHS Consultant experience
FRCS (UK)
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh & UK
Mayo Clinic Fellow
British Shoulder & Elbow Society - Mayo Clinic Travelling Fellowship
SESI President
President, Shoulder & Elbow Society of India
30+ Years Experience
15,000+ patients treated, 5,000+ surgeries performed
Published Researcher
Co-author of Operative Elbow Surgery, international conference faculty
Dr. Reddy's Specialty Clinics
Comprehensive Upper Limb Care
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