Stenosing Tenosynovitis & Common Degenerative Hand Conditions

Many patients gradually develop a recognisable combination of hand conditions over time, particularly from middle age onward.

Commonly associated problems include:

• Trigger finger
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Thumb base arthritis
• DIP joint arthritis and nodules
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

These conditions often occur together because of a combination of:

• Tendon thickening
• Ligament laxity
• Repetitive loading
• Joint wear
• Inflammatory change over time

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon catches or locks as it glides through a tight pulley in the finger. Patients may notice painful clicking, locking, or stiffness, particularly in the morning.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis involves irritation of tendons near the thumb side of the wrist and commonly causes pain lifting children, gripping, twisting, or using tools.

Many of these conditions improve with:

• Splinting
• Injections
• Activity modification
• Therapy

Where surgery becomes appropriate, procedures are generally straightforward and aim to restore comfortable, reliable hand use.