De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the outer border of the thumb and the thumb side of the wrist. It is commonly followed by a degenerative tendinopathy, causing inflammation and irritation of the tendon coverings, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty using the thumb.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact cause of De Quervain's tenosynovitis is unknown, but it is often associated with repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as:
- Gardening
- Playing racket sports
- Lifting a baby
The primary symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb and along the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain worsening with thumb and wrist movements
- Swelling and a catching sensation in the thumb
- Difficulty making a fist
Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment
If you experience persistent thumb and wrist pain, consult a healthcare professional, typically an Orthopaedic or Hand Surgeon. Diagnosis may involve:
- A physical examination, including the Finkelstein test
- Ultrasonography for confirmation
Treatment usually starts with conservative measures:
- Rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medications
- Splinting or immobilizing the thumb and wrist
- Corticosteroid injections for pain and swelling relief
- Surgery if conservative treatments fail
Preventing De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
While prevention isn’t always possible, you can reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding repetitive hand and wrist motions
- Taking breaks during repetitive activities
- Maintaining proper hand and wrist posture
- Performing stretching and strengthening exercises, advised by your Orthopaedic surgeon
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to effective management.
