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.
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
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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
Measure & Cut
- Measure the long I-strip while the wrist is in a neutral position, starting at the thumb side and extending halfway up the forearm.
- 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.
Anchor the I-strip
Apply the I-strip
Prepare the X-strip
Apply the X-strip centre
Secure and check the result
Popular products to tape your wrist
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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.



