What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Common Workplace Injury And Claiming Compensation

Although De Quervain’s is a common occupational injury, many people ask ‘What is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?’  This condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist which become inflamed or irritated. Symptoms may include swelling and difficulty in moving the wrist and thumb. It is a painful condition which can be caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements at work.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is named after Swiss surgeon, Fritz de Quervain who first described the condition in 1895. He identified and documented the inflammation of the tendons in the wrist. His research contributed to the understanding of this overuse injury.

It  remains a common issue today and if you suffer from De Quervain’s due to workplace negligence, Jefferies Claims can guide you through the claims process.

What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is sometimes referred to as “washerwoman’s sprain” or “mommy thumb”. It is a form of tendonitis that affects the tendons running along the thumb and wrist.

The two tendons—APL and EPB—are responsible for the movement and stability of the thumb. When these tendons become irritated, they can swell and constrict within their protective sheath. This leads to pain, tenderness, and limited motion.

However, the hallmark symptom of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is pain at the base of the thumb, which may radiate up the forearm. Other symptoms include swelling of the wrist near the base of the thumb and a snapping sensation when moving the thumb. Your grip strength may also seem to be weaker. You may find the pain increases when you pinch, grasp or twist objects.

Causes of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is primarily caused by repetitive motion, overuse of the wrist, and activities that strain the tendons. Certain workplace tasks may significantly contribute to its onset:

Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movements

If your job requires repetitive thumb and wrist motions, this can place you at a higher risk of developing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Examples include:

• Typing and prolonged use of a computer mouse
• Repetitive lifting of objects, especially with the thumb extended
• Frequent use of handheld tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, or scissors
• Assembly line work requiring repeated pinching or gripping

When these actions are performed without adequate rest, the tendons become irritated, leading to inflammation and pain.

Forceful Gripping and Lifting

Workplace tasks that involve excessive force while gripping or lifting objects contribute to this condition. This includes industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing where you have to grip, pull, or hold heavy tools and materials. This causes straining the thumb and wrist tendons. Over a prolonged period, these repetitive forceful movements increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Extended Use of Hand Tools and Equipment

Workers who frequently use tools such as hammers, wrenches, and power tools which require a firm grip are at risk of developing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. The continuous application of pressure on the wrist and thumb tendons contributes to inflammation. In particular, vibrating tools can increase strain on the tendons and restrict blood circulation to the area, making the condition worse.

Prolonged Use of Mobile Devices

The widespread use of smartphones and tablets has contributed to an increase in De Quervain’s tenosynovitis cases. Constant texting, scrolling, and gaming place repetitive stress on the thumb have led to overuse injuries. Employees who frequently use mobile devices for work, such as journalists, customer service representatives, and digital marketers, may develop symptoms over time.

Poor Ergonomics in the Workplace

Workstations that are not designed with the correct ergonomics may contribute to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Improper wrist positioning while typing, using a mouse, or handling office equipment leads to tendon strain. If you work in poorly designed workspaces, you may often experience discomfort. If this is ignored, chronic conditions like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may occur.

 Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you develop De Quervain’s tenosynovitis due to workplace negligence with regard to working conditions, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Employers have a legal duty to ensure a safe working environment and adhere to health and safety protocols.

De Quervain’s can be a debilitating condition which affects many employees across different industries. If you feel you may be developing this condition, your first step would be to obtain a medical diagnosis. All your symptoms and workplace related causes should be documented.

To claim for compensation, you will need to be able to show that your injury was a direct result of employer negligence. You should also notify your employer and ensure your injury is logged. Your next step would be to contact a personal injury lawyer.

At Jefferies Claims, we partner with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an free no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our friendly team.