De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Why Hyaluronic Acid Injections May Be a Safer First-Line Treatment

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common condition characterised by pain around the base of the thumb, wrist, and lower forearm region. The condition can become extremely painful and debilitating, particularly during gripping activities, lifting, twisting movements, or general use of the hand. Simple tasks such as opening jars, lifting a kettle, or typing can quickly aggravate symptoms.

In many cases there is no obvious trauma or injury. Instead, the problem is commonly related to overuse, repetitive hand movements, and gradual tendon degeneration over time. The tendons that control thumb movement become irritated and inflamed as they pass through a tight tunnel on the thumb side of the wrist.

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb and wrist

• Swelling around the thumb side of the wrist

• Pain when gripping or lifting objects

• Difficulty twisting or pinching

• Increased pain during repetitive hand movements

Conservative treatments such as exercises, splinting, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory gels such as Voltarol can often help alleviate symptoms. You can also find simple exercises on our YouTube channel here:

Elite Joint Solutions YouTube Exercises

However, if symptoms persist despite physiotherapy and conservative management, injection therapy may be considered.

Why We Use Hyaluronic Acid Injections First

Historically, steroid injections have been widely used to treat inflamed tendons. Whilst steroid injections can provide short-term pain relief, they have traditionally not been considered ideal first-line treatments for tendon-related conditions due to the potential risks involved — particularly tendon weakening and tendon damage with repeated use.

At Elite Joint Solutions, we instead offer hyaluronic acid injections as a first-line treatment option for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found within the body. Around tendons, it can help:

• Lubricate the tendon sheath

• Improve tendon gliding and movement

• Reduce friction around the tendon

• Form a protective barrier against pro-inflammatory cells

• Support long-term tendon health

Unlike steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections do not carry the same risk of tendon degeneration or tendon rupture, making them a safer treatment option for many patients.

Faster Recovery and Reduced Overall Treatment Costs

One major advantage of hyaluronic acid injections is that many patients only require a single treatment session. This can often be more convenient and cost-effective compared to attending weekly physiotherapy sessions over several months.

Hyaluronic acid injections may also help speed up recovery by directly targeting the irritated tendon sheath and reducing ongoing inflammation.

Whilst physiotherapy remains an important part of rehabilitation, some patients find that injections can help settle symptoms more quickly and allow exercises to become more effective.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Right for You?

Every patient is different, and a full assessment is important before deciding on the most appropriate treatment. At Elite Joint Solutions, we use a personalised approach to ensure treatment is tailored to your symptoms, functional limitations, and long-term goals.

If you would like to discuss whether a hyaluronic acid injection may help your De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, please contact us here:

Contact Elite Joint Solutions