KP Logo
Back
Print

De Quervain's Disease: Exercises

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Introduction

Here are some examples of exercises for you to try. The exercises may be suggested for a condition or for rehabilitation. Start each exercise slowly. Ease off the exercises if you start to have pain.

You will be told when to start these exercises and which ones will work best for you.

How to do the exercises

Thumb lifts

Thumb lift exercise
slide 1 of 4
slide 1 of 4, Thumb lifts,
  1. Place your hand on a flat surface, with your palm up.
  2. Lift your thumb away from your palm to make a "C" shape.
  3. Hold for about 6 seconds.
  4. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Passive thumb MP flexion

Stretching thumb with other hand
slide 2 of 4
slide 2 of 4, Passive thumb MP flexion,
  1. Hold your hand in front of you, and turn your hand so your little finger faces down and your thumb faces up. (Your hand should be in the position used for shaking someone's hand.) You may also rest your hand on a flat surface.
  2. Use the fingers on your other hand to bend your thumb down at the point where your thumb connects to your palm.
  3. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Finkelstein stretch

Finkelstein stretch for the thumb
slide 3 of 4
slide 3 of 4, Finkelstein stretch,
  1. Hold your arms out in front of you. (Your hand should be in the position used for shaking someone's hand.)
  2. Bend your thumb toward your palm.
  3. Use your other hand to gently stretch your thumb and wrist downward until you feel the stretch on the thumb side of your wrist.
  4. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Resisted ulnar deviation

Resisted ulnar stretch
slide 4 of 4
slide 4 of 4, Resisted ulnar deviation,

For this exercise, you will need elastic exercise material, such as surgical tubing or Thera-Band.

  1. Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread and your elbow on your thigh.
  2. Grasp one end of the band with your palm down, and step on the other end with the foot opposite the hand holding the band.
  3. Slowly bend your wrist sideways and away from your knee.
  4. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.