Your Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

⏳ Your Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Healing De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis requires patience. Because the tendon sheath is thickened, recovery happens in stages. Using the 4DflexiSPORT Base-Support Splint ensures you stay on the fastest path to relief.

Phase 1: Days 1–7 (The "Cool Down" Phase)

  • Goal: Reduce acute inflammation and pain.

  • What to expect: You should feel an immediate reduction in "sharp" pain when performing daily tasks because the splint is doing the mechanical work for you.

  • Tip: Wear the splint consistently, especially during activities that previously caused pain (like lifting or typing).

Phase 2: Weeks 2–4 (The Healing Phase)

  • Goal: Allow the tendon sheath to thin back to its normal size.

  • What to expect: Swelling should visibly subside. The "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation will begin to disappear.

  • Tip: This is the "danger zone"—many people feel better and stop wearing the brace too early, causing a flare-up. Continue wearing it for at least 4 weeks to ensure the inflammation is fully gone.

Phase 3: Weeks 4–6+ (The Strengthening Phase)

  • Goal: Return to full activity without a brace.

  • What to expect: You should be able to pass the Finkelstein Test with little to no discomfort.

  • Tip: Gradually transition to wearing the splint only during high-stress activities (like gardening or sports) until you feel 100% confident.

💡 Pro-Recovery Tips for Best Results:

  • Night Wear: We highly recommend wearing the splint at night. Many of us tuck our thumbs or curl our wrists while sleeping, which can irritate the tendons and undo a whole day of healing.

  • Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the thumb side of the wrist for 10–15 minutes several times a day during Phase 1.

  • Avoid "The Pinch": Try to avoid repetitive pinching motions with your thumb and forefinger while recovering.