De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Understanding & Treating Wrist Pain Without Surgery
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Published in The Ospina Orthopedic Blog ~ 5 min read ~ Last Updated: November 14, 2025
Is Your Thumb Pain Holding You Back?
You reach for your coffee cup, lift your child, or type a quick text, and suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through your wrist and thumb. If this sounds familiar, you are likely one of the many individuals navigating life with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis . This condition can turn simple, everyday actions into moments of hesitation and discomfort, leaving you frustrated and searching for answers.
At Ospina Medical, we understand that wrist pain is more than just a physical symptom; it is a barrier to your work, your hobbies, and your interactions with loved ones. While traditional orthopedics often suggests a "wait and see" approach or quick-fix injections, our philosophy is different. We focus on identifying the root cause of your tendon dysfunction and utilizing precise, non-surgical therapies to help you regain function.
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. These tendons—the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis—travel through a tight tunnel (sheath) near the base of the thumb. When you overuse your wrist or perform repetitive gripping and twisting motions, the sheath can become irritated or thickened. This creates friction, making it difficult for the tendons to glide smoothly.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Pain near the base of the thumb that worsens with movement.
- Swelling on the thumb side of the wrist.
- A "catching" or "snapping" sensation when moving the thumb.
- Difficulty gripping objects or making a fist.
The Limitations of Corticosteroid Injections
If you have seen a traditional specialist, you may have been offered a corticosteroid injection. While these injections are powerful anti-inflammatories that can reduce pain quickly, they act like a "pause button" rather than a repair mechanism. Steroids can shut down the inflammatory signal, but they do not necessarily stimulate the healing of the damaged tendon tissue.
Furthermore, repeated steroid use has been associated with the weakening of tendon fibers and thinning of the surrounding skin. For patients seeking a long-term solution that preserves tissue health, relying solely on corticosteroids may not be the optimal path. In fact, studies comparing treatments have shown that while steroids offer short-term relief, they have higher failure rates in the long term compared to regenerative options.
A Regenerative Approach: Treating the Source
At Ospina Medical, Dr. Matthew Kohler employs a treatment philosophy grounded in Interventional Orthopedics. Instead of masking symptoms, the goal is to support the body’s natural ability to heal. This is often achieved through high-precision injections of PRP by Regenexx.
How It Works:
This procedure involves taking a sample of your own blood and concentrating the platelets in our advanced laboratory. These platelets are packed with growth factors that play a crucial role in tissue repair. Using high-resolution ultrasound guidance, Dr. Kohler precisely delivers this customized concentration into the tendon sheath. This supports the local environment, encouraging the body to repair the overuse damage naturally.
Why Ultrasound Precision Matters:
Blind injections (without imaging) can miss the target sheath or accidentally damage the tendon itself. Ultrasound guidance ensures that the healing agents are placed exactly where they are needed most—into the sheath rather than the tendon—maximizing the potential for a successful outcome.
Restoring Function, Not Just Relieving Pain
Recovery from hand and wrist conditions requires a comprehensive plan. Beyond the procedure, we emphasize the importance of functional wellness. This may include ergonomic adjustments to your workspace or specific exercises designed to strengthen the wrist without aggravating the tendons.
You do not have to choose between living with pain and undergoing invasive surgery. By leveraging PRP by Regenexx, you are choosing a pathway that respects your biology and aims for structural recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If gripping, lifting, or typing has become a daily struggle, it is time to explore a different approach. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Kohler to discuss your specific condition and determine if a regenerative treatment plan is right for you. Let’s work together to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.
A Riley Publication ~ Branded Thought Leadership by Riley Partners and Publications, Inc.
Medically Reviewed by: Matthew Kohler, MD
References
Centeno, C. J., et al. (2020). The use of platelet-rich plasma in the management of de Quervain’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 15(1), 1-9.
Dean, B. J., et al. (2014). The risks and benefits of glucocorticoid treatment for tendinopathy: A systematic review of the effects of local glucocorticoid injections on tendon. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 43(4), 570-576.
Hassan, R. E., et al. (2024). De Quervain's Disease: A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections. Cureus, 16(11), e74232.
Joshi, A., & Raj, P. (2025). Comparison of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid Injection in De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. World Journal of Orthopedics, 14(1), 12-20.
McDermott, J. D., et al. (2012). Ultrasound-guided injections for de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 470(7), 1925–1931.
Sawa, M., et al. (2023). Ultrasound-guided injection for de Quervain’s disease: Accuracy and efficacy. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 48(3), 250-256.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.