De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis — painful inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist — limits gripping, pinching, and lifting. Our regenerative approach heals the tendon sheath without repeated cortisone injections.

What Is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis involves inflammation and thickening of the tendon sheath surrounding the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons as they pass through the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. This causes significant pain, swelling, and restriction at the thumb-side wrist and radial styloid. It is common in new parents (from carrying infants), musicians, office workers, and manual laborers. Wrist joint biomechanics and cervical nerve root involvement (C6) contribute to tendon irritation and impaired healing. Regenerative therapies combined with chiropractic correction of the wrist and cervical spine provide effective resolution.

Common Symptoms

Pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb and radial wrist
Swelling at the thumb-side wrist
Positive Finkelstein test (pain with thumb tucked and wrist tilted)
Difficulty gripping, pinching, or lifting with the affected hand
Pain when making a fist or turning the wrist
Squeaking or catching sensation with thumb movement

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Repetitive thumb abduction and wrist radial deviation
New parent lifting (also called 'mommy wrist' or 'daddy wrist')
Cervical nerve root involvement (C6) sensitizing the radial forearm
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, postpartum estrogen drops)
Prior wrist injury or sustained overuse

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Dr. Foss addresses the cervical spine (C6) to reduce the neurological sensitization that perpetuates tendon pain, combined with wrist and thumb CMC joint adjustments to restore normal first compartment mechanics. Myofascial release of the forearm extensor musculature reduces tendon sheath pressure. Regenerative therapies applied directly to the first dorsal compartment reduce inflammation and stimulate healing of the tendon sheath. Most patients achieve resolution without surgery or repeated cortisone injections.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Shockwave Therapy

High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into tissue to break up calcifications, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the body's natural repair process — all without surgery or downtime.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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