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Learn how to relieve De Quervain’s pain with kinesiology tape

Follow our step-by-step kinesiology taping guide to relieve pain from De Quervain’s tendonitis — inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist — at home.

CureTape — How to tape tendonitis on the thumb (De Quervain's disease)


Do you experience pain along the thumb side of your wrist, and are the tendons in the sheath near the thumb inflamed or swollen? This condition is commonly referred to as De Quervain’s disease.

The radial collateral ligament lies just above the thumb on the outer edge of the wrist, connecting the thumb joint to the radius bone. The most frequent cause is repetitive strain from recurring movements, which leads to irritation. This taping method is an effective option to help reduce swelling and allow you to move your thumb more comfortably and with less pain.

De Quervain’s disease (tenosynovitis) is an inflammation of two tendons that run through the wrist on the thumb side: the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. These tendons pass through a narrow tunnel at the wrist where they can become irritated and swollen. The result is pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist, sometimes radiating into the thumb or up the forearm. Always confirm the diagnosis with a professional before starting taping.

Jump to: Preparation  ·  Measuring & cutting  ·  Application


This taping method may help with:

Relieve pain

Reduce strain on the inflamed thumb tendons

Support the tendons

Gentle support along the abductor and extensor tendons

Improve movement

More comfortable thumb and wrist movement during daily activities

Support recovery

Allow the tendon sheath to recover while staying active

It can be applied for:

De Quervain’s disease

Inflammation of the thumb tendons at the wrist

Thumb-side wrist pain

Pain during side-to-side movement of the wrist on the thumb side

Repetitive strain (thumb)

Overuse from gripping, pinching, or carrying

New parent wrist pain

Common after frequent lifting and carrying of a baby

Self-taping for De Quervain’s tendonitis

Tips to ensure your taping treatment goes smoothly:

First, make sure you know the exact cause of the pain or discomfort.

Read the step-by-step instructions carefully before you begin taping.

Select the tape colour you prefer.

Do not stretch the tape when applying the beginning and end sections.

Rub the tape firmly after application to improve adhesion.

Check if there are any contraindications why taping should be avoided.

On average, kinesiology tape will stay in place for about 3 to 7 days.

Showering is usually not a problem while wearing the tape.

Removing the tape is easier if you use a bit of oil.

Preparation before taping the thumb for tendonitis

Shape
Cut one customized I-strip of about 20 cm and one smaller X-strip for the wrist, approximately 10–12 cm long. Round off the ends (anchors) for better adhesion.
Number of strips
2
Technique
Apply the long I-strip using a muscle technique (light stretch for relaxation) and place the smaller X-strip with a ligament technique, keeping both end anchors without stretch.

Measuring and cutting the tape

 

Step 1 — Measuring De Quervain's tape

Step1

Measure & Cut

  1. Measure the long I-strip while the wrist is in a neutral position, starting at the thumb side and extending halfway up the forearm.
  2. For the shorter X-strip, measure around the wrist but leave a gap roughly the width of three fingers.

Applying the wrist tape


When applying wrist tape, it can be very helpful to have someone assist you to ensure the tape is positioned correctly. Hold the thumb in a slightly extended position and keep the wrist in a neutral position throughout the application.
Step 2 — Anchor the I-strip

Step2

Anchor the I-strip

Tilt the wrist toward the thumb side. Tear the backing paper of the long I-strip about 5 cm from each end. With the thumb slightly bent, place one anchor on the thumb side of the wrist and the other higher up on the forearm, both without stretch.

Step 3 — Apply the I-strip along the forearm

Step3

Apply the I-strip

Remove the remaining backing from the underside and gently move the hand toward the little-finger side, allowing the tape to follow the arm naturally. Rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive.

Step 4 — Prepare the X-strip

Step4

Prepare the X-strip

Take the smaller X-strip and split the backing paper in the middle, folding it back toward each anchor while holding the ends. This exposes the centre of the strip.

Step 5 — Apply the X-strip centre

Step5

Apply the X-strip centre

Apply the centre of the X-strip directly over the painful spot on the thumb side of the wrist with strong tension. This provides targeted support over the irritated tendon sheath.

Step 6 — Secure the X-strip ends and check the result

Step6

Secure and check the result

Secure the four small ends of the X-strip around the wrist without any stretch. Activate the tape by rubbing it firmly with your hand. The thumb-side of the wrist should now feel supported and less painful.

Popular products to tape your wrist

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Advice from Christina on taping De Quervain’s tendonitis

When taping your wrist, it’s crucial to choose a tape that provides strong adhesion and support. That’s why I recommend CureTape kinesiology tape. For regular use, CureTape Classic or Art is ideal. However, if you’re engaging in extreme sports or swimming, opt for the extra sticky CureTape Sports variant! I have selected practical, easy-to-follow self-taping applications alongside a few valuable tips from clinical experience. For an optimal recovery, remember to combine this taping with specific wrist exercises, and always consult a physiotherapist or GP if your symptoms persist.

Christina Peter

Christina Peter
Physiotherapist & Taping Instructor

Christina Peter

Disclaimer: Please note: the suggested tape applications and the information on our website regarding the possibilities of the Medical Taping Concept are not yet scientifically proven. The stated claims are based primarily on extensive experience from therapists and users of CureTape® products. No rights can be derived from the content on this website.

Contraindications for not using tape: pregnancy, open wounds, bone fractures, unexplained complaints, allergies and skin conditions, medication use such as blood thinners, thrombosis, and fever. Always consult a medical professional if in doubt.