Taping Technique for De Quervain's Syndrome (De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)

Introduction

De Quervain's syndrome causes sharp pain in the thumb and wrist.
Taping can be a less stiff alternative to splinting.
Only equipment needed: kinesiology tape and scissors.
Recommended tape brands: Muscle Tape, Rock Tape, Kinesio Tex Gold Light Touch (for sensitive skin).
Recommended scissors: Fiskars Easy Action.

Wash Hands and Wrist: Ensure no lotions or creams are applied for better tape adhesion.
Inspect Skin: Avoid applying tape over cuts, rashes, or broken skin.
Pain Location: Pain typically on the radial side of the wrist below the thumb.

Tendons Involved: Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB) and Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL).
Location: Travel through the first dorsal compartment.

Measure Tape Length: From thumb IP crease to elbow; cut slightly shorter for stretch.
Cut Tape: Around 10 inches; round the edges for durability.
Application:
- Tear the backing 1 inch from the end.
- Apply over thumb without tension.
- Extend wrist in slight extension, radial deviation, and thumb extension.
- Stretch tape 30-40% over the painful area towards the elbow; no tension near elbow.
- Move wrist into ulnar deviation and slight flexion, relax thumb, rub tape.

Measure Tape Length: Smaller, about 4-6 inches depending on wrist size.
Cut Tape: Round edges; tear tape in the middle.
Application:
- Center tape over the painful area; stretch 50% in the middle.
- Stick center down; pull sides one at a time; no stretch at ends.

First Piece: Start below thumb IP joint, 30-40% stretch towards lateral elbow, no stretch at ends.
Second Piece: 50% stretch in the middle, no stretch at ends.

Wear tape as long as possible without skin reactions or increased pain.
Tape usually lasts 2-3 days.
To prevent tape from rolling off, apply a small non-stretch tape around the thumb.