What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The tendons and their surrounding sheath become inflamed and thickened, making thumb and wrist movement painful — particularly with gripping, pinching and lifting. It is one of the most common wrist and hand conditions seen in physiotherapy.

What does De Quervain's tenosynovitis feel like?

Most people describe pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb on the wrist side, that worsens with gripping or pinching. Some notice swelling, stiffness or a snapping sensation when moving the thumb. Pain can radiate up the forearm and is often worse first thing in the morning or after repetitive hand use.

How long does De Quervain's tenosynovitis take to heal?

Many people see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of appropriate physiotherapy. Longstanding or severe cases may take longer. Continuing to overload the tendons without modification tends to prolong recovery.

Is De Quervain's tenosynovitis common in new mothers?

Yes — it is very common in new parents, particularly mothers. Repeatedly lifting an infant using a thumbs-up grip places high load on the tendons at the base of the thumb. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period also affect tendon tissue, increasing susceptibility. The condition is sometimes called mother's wrist for this reason.

Does De Quervain's tenosynovitis go away on its own?

It can improve over time with rest and activity modification, but without addressing the underlying load and movement factors, symptoms often persist or recur. Physiotherapy helps speed recovery, reduce pain and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

What is the Finkelstein test?

The Finkelstein test is a clinical assessment used to diagnose De Quervain's tenosynovitis. It involves folding the thumb into the palm, wrapping the fingers around it, and tilting the wrist toward the little finger side. Pain along the thumb side of the wrist with this movement is a strong indicator of De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Is cortisone injection necessary for De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Not always. Many people recover well with physiotherapy alone. A cortisone injection may be considered if symptoms are severe or not responding to conservative management. Injections tend to work best when combined with a rehabilitation programme rather than used in isolation.

Can De Quervain's tenosynovitis affect both wrists?

Yes, though it most commonly affects one side. Bilateral De Quervain's can occur, particularly in new parents who are repeatedly lifting with both hands, or in people with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What is a SLAP lesion?

A SLAP lesion is a tear of the superior labrum — the ring of cartilage that lines the top of the shoulder socket. The tear runs from the front to the back of the labrum at the point where the biceps tendon attaches. SLAP lesions can cause deep shoulder pain, clicking and instability, particularly with overhead or throwing activities.

Can a SLAP tear heal without surgery?

Many SLAP tears, particularly lower-grade or degenerative tears, can be managed successfully with physiotherapy without surgery. A structured rehabilitation programme focusing on rotator cuff strength, scapular control and load management can lead to excellent outcomes. Higher-grade tears in younger competitive athletes may require surgical repair, but this is assessed case by case.

How long does recovery from a SLAP lesion take?

Recovery time varies depending on whether the injury is managed conservatively or surgically. Physiotherapy-managed SLAP lesions may show meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 months. Post-surgical recovery from a SLAP repair typically takes 4 to 6 months or longer before return to overhead sport.

How is a SLAP lesion diagnosed?

A SLAP lesion is suspected based on clinical assessment including history and specific shoulder tests. An MRI — often with contrast injected into the joint (MRI arthrogram) — is the most common imaging used to confirm the diagnosis.

Is a SLAP lesion the same as a labral tear?

A SLAP lesion is a specific type of labral tear occurring at the top (superior) portion of the labrum. Other labral tears can occur at the front (Bankart lesion) or the back of the socket. The location and type of tear determines the symptoms and treatment approach.

Can I still exercise with a SLAP lesion?

In most cases, yes — with appropriate modifications. A physiotherapist can guide you on which exercises are safe, which to avoid and how to progressively load your shoulder during recovery. Complete rest is rarely required and often counterproductive.

What happens if a SLAP lesion is left untreated?

An unmanaged SLAP lesion can lead to ongoing pain, progressive instability and difficulty returning to sport or work. Compensatory movement patterns may develop over time, placing excess load on surrounding structures. Early assessment and appropriate management leads to better outcomes.

Chronic Ankle Instability Treatment Adelaide

Ankle Pain Physiotherapy St Marys

Does your ankle keep rolling, even on flat ground? Do you feel like it could give way at any moment, or find yourself taping it “just in case”? Chronic ankle instability is common after an ankle sprain, especially if the first injury wasn’t fully rehabbed. It can knock your confidence and keep you from playing sport or moving freely. At Active Balance, we focus on rebuilding strength, balance and control in your ankle so it feels stable and reliable again.

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chronic ankle instability Treatment in Adelaide

What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition where the ankle repeatedly gives way or rolls, usually on the outside. It most often develops after one or more lateral ankle sprains.

When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn. Up to 40% of people go on to develop ongoing instability after a sprain. This is usually due to a combination of:

Mechanical instability, where the ligaments have healed in a stretched or weakened position and provide less support
Functional instability, where the ankle’s balance, joint awareness (proprioception) and muscle reactions have been affected by the injury

Most cases involve both, and both respond well to targeted rehab.

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Who Does It Affect?

People who have had one or more ankle sprains
Athletes in sports with jumping, landing and changing direction, such as basketball, netball, football, AFL, volleyball and soccer
Trail runners and hikers
People who returned to sport too early after a sprain
People who didn’t complete structured rehab after their sprain

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Contributing Factors & Causes

Previous ankle sprains, which is the biggest risk factor
Incomplete rehab after an earlier injury
Reduced balance and proprioception
Weakness in the muscles around the ankle, particularly the peroneals (outer lower leg), calf and hip
Reduced ankle mobility, especially after a sprain
Returning to sport too soon
Uneven surfaces and high-risk sports

Symptoms & Signs

Ankle repeatedly rolling or giving way
A feeling that the ankle is weak or unstable
Recurring sprains, sometimes from small missteps
Ongoing pain or aching on the outside of the ankle
Swelling that comes and goes
Difficulty on uneven ground, slopes or stairs
Reduced confidence when running, jumping or changing direction

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How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Chronic Ankle Instability?

Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for chronic ankle instability, and most people improve without needing surgery.

A thorough assessment looks at your ligament stability, strength, balance, mobility and movement patterns, and rules out other injuries that may be adding to your symptoms.
Balance and proprioception training is the cornerstone of treatment. We progress from simple balance exercises to more challenging, sport-specific drills, retraining your ankle to react quickly and stay stable.
Strengthening targets the peroneals, calf, foot muscles and hips to improve support and control around the ankle.
Mobility work and hands-on treatment, including joint mobilisation and soft tissue work, can restore lost ankle movement and ease stiffness.
Hopping, landing and agility training prepare your ankle for the demands of your sport, with drills progressed as your control improves.
Taping and bracing can provide extra support while you’re rebuilding strength and during return to sport.
Return to sport testing helps make sure your ankle is ready before you return to full training and games, reducing your risk of another sprain.

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How Massage & Myotherapy Can Help

Repeated ankle sprains and altered movement often lead to tension in the calves, shins and feet. Remedial massage and myotherapy can ease this tightness, improve comfort, and support your movement.

Our massage and myotherapy team works with your physio so soft tissue treatment complements your rehab program.

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When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Most people with chronic ankle instability improve with physiotherapy. However, some injuries need further investigation. See a doctor or get a prompt assessment if you have:

Severe pain, swelling or bruising after a sprain, or being unable to put weight on your foot, which may indicate a fracture
Pain higher up between the shin bones, which may indicate a high ankle sprain (syndesmosis injury)
Deep, aching ankle pain with ongoing swelling, catching or locking, which may indicate a cartilage injury
Pain, clicking or snapping behind the outer ankle bone, which may indicate a peroneal tendon injury
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the foot
Ongoing instability despite consistent, well-structured rehab
If any of these apply, we’ll identify them at your assessment and refer you for imaging or to an orthopaedic specialist.

Prognosis

The outlook for chronic ankle instability is good with the right rehab.

Many people notice improvement within six to twelve weeks of consistent balance and strength training
Continuing a maintenance program helps reduce the risk of further sprains
For people with significant ligament laxity who don’t improve with rehab, surgical repair may be considered. If surgery is needed, a structured rehab program afterwards is essential

The most common reason for ongoing problems is stopping rehab once the pain settles, before balance and strength have fully returned.

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Why Choose Active Balance Physio & Wellness?

Physio-led integrated care

Physio, massage, myo & rehab under one roof

Individualised treatment plans

Friendly, caring team focused on results

Convenient Adelaide location

After-hours appointments available

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did I cause this by not rehabbing my sprain properly?
Not necessarily, and it’s a really common situation. Many people are told to just rest a sprain and are never given a rehab program. Some ankles also have more ligament damage than others. The good news is it’s not too late. Even years after the original sprain, targeted rehab can make a big difference.

Q: Should I keep taping or bracing my ankle?
Taping and bracing can be helpful, especially during sport while you’re rebuilding strength. However, they shouldn’t replace rehab. The goal is for your ankle to feel stable on its own, with tape or a brace as extra support if needed.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Not always. Chronic ankle instability is usually diagnosed through your history and a physical assessment. An X-ray, ultrasound or MRI may be recommended if another injury is suspected or you aren’t improving as expected.

Q: Will I need surgery?
Most people don’t. Surgery is usually only considered when there’s significant ligament laxity and symptoms haven’t improved after a good trial of rehab.

Q: Can I keep playing sport?
Often, yes, with some modifications, and with taping or bracing while you rebuild. Your physio will help you work out what’s safe and guide your return to full sport.

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Why "Just Resting" an Injury Usually Isn't Enough

Why we love sports injuries

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