De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Care with Dr. Andrew Yang

Thumb pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting? Dr. Andrew Yang, a hand surgeon board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, provides hand and upper extremity care at OrthoMD in Fort Lee, NJ and Bayside, NY.

For selected cases, PRP may be discussed after evaluation; results vary.

Understanding De Quervain's Tenosynovitis with Dr. Andrew Yang

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It involves the first dorsal compartment — a narrow tunnel at the wrist where two tendons (the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) pass through.

When the lining of these tendons becomes swollen or the tunnel itself thickens, the tendons can no longer glide smoothly. This leads to pain and swelling, especially during gripping, lifting, or twisting motions of the hand and wrist.

De Quervain's is a common reason for an orthopedic hand evaluation. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward selecting appropriate care.

Common Symptoms

De Quervain's symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with activity. If you notice any of the following, consider an evaluation with a hand surgeon in Fort Lee, NJ or Bayside, NY.

Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, especially when gripping or lifting
Swelling or tenderness near the base of the thumb
A snapping or sticking feeling when moving the thumb
Difficulty grasping or pinching objects
Pain when turning or twisting the wrist (like turning a doorknob or wringing a towel)

Causes & Risk Factors

De Quervain's tenosynovitis can develop in anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood. Andrew Yang, MD considers your risk factors when discussing treatment options.

New parents — repetitive lifting of a baby with thumbs extended ("Mother's Wrist")
Repetitive hand and wrist motions (typing, knitting, gardening, assembly work)
Hormonal changes — more common in women, especially during and after pregnancy
Pregnancy — fluid retention and hormonal shifts increase tendon swelling
Racquet sports — tennis, badminton, and other grip-intensive activities
Work-related overuse — occupations requiring forceful gripping or repetitive wrist movements

Diagnosis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is typically diagnosed during an in-office examination. In most cases, Andrew Yang, MD can provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options during your first visit.

Finkelstein test — the classic diagnostic maneuver where the thumb is folded into the palm and the wrist is bent toward the pinky side
Palpation for tenderness over the radial styloid (the bony bump on the thumb side of the wrist)
Assessment of swelling, range of motion, and involvement of the tendon sheath
Clinical exam — no imaging is typically needed; diagnosis is based on physical findings
Same-day clarity — most patients leave with a diagnosis and treatment plan in one visit

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many cases of De Quervain's tenosynovitis can be managed without surgery, especially when evaluated early. Andrew Yang, MD discusses conservative options when appropriate.

Thumb spica splint — immobilizes the wrist and thumb to rest the tendons and reduce irritation
Activity modification — reducing or adjusting repetitive gripping and wrist motions
Anti-inflammatory medications — short-term NSAIDs to help reduce pain and swelling

Corticosteroid Injection

A cortisone injection into the tendon sheath is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for De Quervain's tenosynovitis:

Rapidly reduces inflammation and swelling in the first dorsal compartment
Allows the tendons to glide smoothly through the tunnel
Often provides significant or complete relief within days to weeks
High success rate, especially for early or moderate cases
Many patients experience lasting improvement with one or two injections

Surgical Option — De Quervain's Release

When symptoms are persistent or do not respond to conservative treatment, De Quervain's release surgery may be recommended. This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by our hand surgeon.

Benefits of De Quervain's release:

Outpatient procedure — no hospital stay required
Small incision over the first dorsal compartment
The roof of the tunnel is released to create more space for the tendons
Immediate relief from the constriction and pain
Quick return to light hand use within days

Get answers and a clear plan — usually same day.

Andrew Yang, MD can evaluate your thumb and wrist symptoms and discuss treatment options.

Why Choose OrthoMD for De Quervain's Treatment

Physician-Led, Focused Care

Dr. Andrew Yang is a hand surgeon, board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, with hand and upper extremity fellowship training. Your care begins with an evaluation and treatment plan.

Hand & Wrist Focus

Our practice focuses on conditions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity, including De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Conservative First Approach

We always explore non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. If surgery is needed, we'll explain why and walk you through the process step by step.

Two Convenient Locations

With offices in Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County) and Bayside, NY (Queens), hand care is close to home — with same-day evaluations often available.

Procedure options, recovery and coverage

Wide-awake surgery option (WALANT)

For selected hand procedures, WALANT uses local anesthesia without general anesthesia or sedation. In many cases, pre-operative fasting or a ride may not be needed; follow the instructions for your specific procedure. Learn about wide-awake hand surgery.

Who may be a candidate

A procedure may be discussed when thumb-side wrist symptoms continue to limit activity after appropriate non-surgical care. The examination helps determine whether the tendon compartment is involved.

Recovery timeline: general guide

  • First days: protect the incision and follow the recommended thumb and wrist motion plan.
  • 1–2 weeks: wound care and light use are guided by follow-up.
  • 2–6 weeks: motion and activity are increased gradually as advised.
  • Beyond: tenderness and function may continue to change; recovery varies.

This is general information; results and recovery vary.

Cost and insurance

OrthoMD accepts Medicare, workers' compensation, auto insurance, and most major plans. Coverage varies by plan and service. Call (917) 242-4585 with questions about coverage.

Languages: English and Korean; Spanish interpreter available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for Relief?

Schedule an evaluation with Andrew Yang, MD — get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for your thumb and wrist pain, usually same day.

You can also visit our contact page for directions and office hours.

OrthoMD — Fort Lee, NJ

2175 Lemoine Ave, Ste 401A, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

Phone: (917) 242-4585

Fax: (917) 993-6284

Email: contact@handorthomd.com

OrthoMD — Bayside, NY

42-21 Francis Lewis Blvd #107, Bayside, NY 11361

Office hours: Tuesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Phone: (917) 242-4585

Fax: (917) 993-6284

Email: contact@handorthomd.com

Andrew Yang, MD · OrthoMD

English and Korean; Spanish interpreter available

Insurance

We participate with Medicare, Work Injury Insurance, Auto Insurance, and most major insurance plans.

For insurance verification or appointments, please call:

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This website is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.