De Quervain's tenosynovitis

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you don't need surgery, caring for your condition is much the same as preventing it:

  • Avoid repetitive hand and wrist movements.
  • Wear a brace or splint if suggested by your doctor.
  • Follow through with recommended exercises.
  • Take special note of any activity that causes pain, swelling or numbness in your thumb and wrist, try to avoid it, and share that information with your doctor.

If you do need surgery, it may be several months before the tenderness in your wrist completely goes away. Your doctor will talk to you about how to rest, strengthen and rehabilitate your body after surgery. Your physical or occupational therapist will meet with you regularly to assess your progress, teach you new strengthening exercises, and help you adjust your daily routine to prevent a recurrence of the condition.

DS00692

April 4, 2008

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