Do you feel pain on the thumb side of your wrist—especially when gripping, twisting, or lifting something? You might be suffering from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, a common but often misunderstood condition that affects many people in the UAE, especially new mothers, office workers, gym-goers, and manual laborers.
Left untreated, it can progress to chronic pain and limited wrist function. In this blog, we’ll explore what De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and the best treatment options available in the UAE and India, including how you can consult hand surgery expert Dr. Binoy online or in person.
1. What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the tendons that run along the thumb side of your wrist. These tendons—abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB)—are responsible for moving your thumb.
When the sheath surrounding these tendons becomes swollen or irritated, it restricts smooth movement, causing pain, swelling, and a “catching” feeling when using the wrist or thumb.
2. Who’s at Risk in the UAE?
This condition is very common among:
✅ New mothers who frequently lift their babies with the thumb tucked under the wrist.
✅ Office workers who spend long hours typing or using a mouse.
✅ Fitness enthusiasts who use heavy weights or perform repetitive wrist exercises.
✅ Construction and maintenance workers who use tools that strain the wrist.
💡 De Quervain’s is especially common in women between 30–50 years old.
3. Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
🔹 Pain near the base of the thumb and wrist
🔹 Swelling over the thumb side of the wrist
🔹 Difficulty gripping, pinching, or twisting
🔹 A catching or snapping sensation when moving the thumb
🔹 Pain worsening with repetitive hand movements
If the pain persists for more than a week or worsens with use, consult a hand specialist immediately.
4. Diagnosis: The Finkelstein Test
The most common way doctors diagnose De Quervain’s is the Finkelstein test:
• You’ll be asked to make a fist with your thumb inside your fingers.
• Then, you’ll tilt your wrist toward your little finger.
• If this causes sharp pain along the thumb side of your wrist, the test is positive.
X-rays aren’t usually needed unless a fracture or arthritis is suspected.
5. Treatment Options in the UAE
🔹 Non-Surgical Treatments (Mild to Moderate Cases)
✔️ Rest & Splinting
A thumb splint keeps the wrist and thumb immobile, reducing strain.
✔️ Anti-inflammatory Medications
NSAIDs like ibuprofen help reduce pain and swelling.
✔️ Corticosteroid Injections
One of the most effective non-surgical options. It reduces inflammation and provides relief for weeks or months.
✔️ Physiotherapy
Includes gentle stretches, ultrasound therapy, and ergonomic adjustments.
💡 Most mild cases resolve with non-surgical treatment within 4–6 weeks.
🔹 Surgery for Severe or Chronic Cases
If non-surgical treatments fail or symptoms are severe, De Quervain’s release surgery may be recommended.
🔧 What is it?
A small incision is made to release the tight tendon sheath, allowing the tendons to move freely again.
🕒 Duration: Outpatient procedure; takes around 30 minutes.
💪 Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks.
6. Cost of De Quervain’s Treatment: UAE vs. India
| Treatment Type | Cost in UAE (AED) | Cost in India (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid Injection | 1,000 – 2,000 | 400 – 600 |
| Splint + Physiotherapy | 2,000 – 3,500 | 800 – 1,200 |
| De Quervain’s Surgery | 10,000 – 15,000 | 3,000 – 5,000 |
🏆 Patients in the UAE often choose India for affordable, expert surgical care.
7. Meet Dr. Binoy – UAE Patients’ Trusted Hand Surgeon
👨⚕️ Dr. Binoy is a renowned hand surgeon at Aster Hospital Kochi, India. He has treated hundreds of patients from the UAE for hand conditions including:
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendon injuries
• Arthritis and fractures
💬 Patients trust him for his:
✔️ Minimally invasive surgery techniques
✔️ Personalized physiotherapy plans
✔️ Virtual consultation and recovery guidance
8. How to Book a Consultation with Dr. Binoy
📍 You don’t need to travel immediately. You can start with an online consultation through our website.
✅ Discuss your symptoms, send reports or X-rays
✅ Get a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation
✅ If surgery is needed, our team assists with travel, accommodation, and appointments in India
👉 Book your online consultation now at hand-microsurgery.com
Conclusion
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is more than just wrist pain—it’s a condition that can affect your grip, productivity, and quality of life. Whether you’re a new parent, office worker, or fitness enthusiast in the UAE, you don’t have to live with the discomfort.
Early intervention with splinting, therapy, or injections can offer relief, and if surgery is needed, Dr. Binoy provides advanced, cost-effective care that many UAE patients trust.
💡 Don’t ignore wrist pain—take the first step toward relief. Book your consultation with Dr. Binoy today!